Sunscreen should be an important part of your skincare routine. You should choose a sunscreen product that suits your skin type and provides the right sun protection. But how would you know which is the right sunscreen for your skin? First of all, know what is sunscreen?
What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a multitasking cream that is not only used to protect from the sun but is beneficial for your skin in many ways. Sunscreen acts as a protective cover for your skin. Protects the skin from dangerous ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays cause tanning, redness, and irritation(1).
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Sunscreen has SPF (Sun Protection Factor). It measures the ability of your sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. For example, if it will take 10 minutes for your skin to burn, a sunscreen with SPF 30 will protect you from the sun for 5 hours. Dermatologists believe that sunscreen should be applied every two hours(2).
The rays of the sun are very harmful from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening. In such a situation, your skin will burn more at noon than at 8 in the morning.
There are two types of sunscreens.
1. Physical Sunscreen
2. Chemical Sunscreen
Physical Sunscreen
If it is also called sunblock, then it will not be wrong. Because both of them work to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc. are used in this. They work to keep harmful UV rays away from the skin by staying on the skin. Its special thing is that as soon as you apply it, your skin gets protection from the rays of the sun. And you don’t even have to wait before going out. Let us tell you that physical sunscreens are considered very good for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Also, reduce allergies and skin reactions.
Chemical Sunscreen
Know that the higher the SPF in a sunscreen, the more chemicals are used in it. In this, such chemical ingredients are used to absorb the sun’s rays, which convert them into heat, then that heat comes out through the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, chemical sunscreens contain ingredients called oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, and optinose which work to damage the skin. Especially for acne and sensitive skin. Alcohol, fragrance, and preservatives are used a lot in these sunscreens. Therefore, people with allergies and sensitive skin should stay away from its use.
As the harmful UV rays of the sun damage our skin. These rays go deep into the skin and tan it. It damages the top layer of the skin but also reduces the natural oil of the skin. Not only this, it can cause many skin related problems:
1. Pre-Mature Aging
2. Sunburn, tan, and pigmentation
3. Dry skin
4. Decrease in collagen
5. Skin cancer can occur in severe cases
6. Damage to the connective tissues of the skin
Therefore, you must apply sunscreen to your skin. It protects the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. You should choose a combination of physical and chemical sunscreens for maximum benefits. Although there are many types of sunscreens available on the market, they all don’t need to suit your skin. So today in this article we will learn about every important aspect related to sunscreen.
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Pick The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin
Whenever you go to buy sunscreen, you buy any sunscreen. But we do not know which sunscreen will suit your skin. So we must keep some important things in mind while buying sunscreen –
1. What Kind Of Sunscreen
There are many types of sunscreens available in the market. For example, sunscreens will be available in many forms like lotion, spray, gel, cream, stick, and oil. But choose sunscreen according to your skin type.
For example, if your skin is dry, then you should choose a cream-based sunscreen. which will not only work to keep you away from aging by removing the dryness of your skin. But will also protect the skin from UV rays.
On the other hand, if you have acne-prone skin, then you should opt for a gel-based sunscreen because its non-greasy formula works to make your skin clear as well as do double care of your skin by removing the access oil.
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2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Be sure to check the SPF number before applying sunscreen. This tells you how long it will protect your skin from the sun. If you are out of the house for long periods, you should go for a sunscreen with a higher SPF, such as SPF 50.
If you only stay outside for as long as going from home to the office, then you should go for sunscreen with a low SPF.Dermatologists recommend that you should apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
3. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Most sunscreens protect your skin from UVB rays. Which can lead to sunburns and thickening of the skin. UVA rays cause tanning and premature aging. That’s why you should take broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you from both types of rays.
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4. Active Ingredient
Always buy sunscreen after looking at the ingredients. For example, if the sunscreen contains ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. So you should choose that sunscreen. Because zinc oxide protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. It also significantly reduces the risk of sunburn and wrinkles. Titanium dioxide acts as a UV filtering ingredient in sunscreens.
Which prevents UV rays from being absorbed into the skin. Whereas due to the absorption of chemical ingredients in the skin, they also cause skin cancer. Always buy the product after checking the expiry.
5. Patch Test
Whenever you buy a new sunscreen, do not apply it directly on the skin first, but check it on hand. With this, if you have any kind of allergy to sunscreens. Such as redness of the skin, burning, itching, or a different appearance of skin color.
Then understand that this sunscreen is not right for your skin. And if there is no allergy then you can apply it to the face.
6. Water-Resistant Sunscreen
The country where the humidity is high. In such a situation, water-resistant sunscreen remains good. If you stay active You sweat a lot or you go swimming.
So you should use a water-resistant sunscreen. It should be applied after every 40 to 80 minutes.
7. Expiry Date
Before buying sunscreen in the market, check the expiry date. Somewhere his date has not expired. If so, don’t buy it at all. Also don’t miss to tell the store manager about it!
Sunscreen According To Your Skin Type
Everyone’s skin type is different. Sunscreen should be taken according to skin type.
Dry skin
Dry skin becomes lifeless and dry very quickly. Which needs to be kept hydrated. If you have dry skin, choose a sunscreen that has moisturizing ingredients. Sunscreens containing creams or lotions between SPF 30 to 50 are suitable for those with dry skin. It protects your skin from damage caused by the rays of the sun. It also helps to keep it soft and smooth. Mineral and physical sunscreens also work well on dry skin.
Oily Skin
Those with oily skin, their sebaceous glands that produce excessive sebum. Due to this, their skin becomes oily. If you have oily skin too. Then you need a chemical sunscreen with a non-greasy, lightweight, and matte finish. If you apply heavy or greasy sunscreen to your skin. Your pores can get clogged due to excess oil.
Acne Prone Skin
Those who have acne-prone skin should choose sunscreen carefully. Physical sunscreens are non-comedogenic. This means that they have been specially formulated to prevent clogged pores. Avoid using harsh products on your face and avoid chemical sunscreens.
Normal Skin
Those who have normal skin can use any type of sunscreen. However, it is always advisable to use a physical sunscreen instead of a chemical one so that there is no further irritation to the skin.
How To Apply Sunscreen
Most people do not know what to apply before sunscreen? Always keep in mind that use moisturizer before sunscreen. This will keep your skin hydrated. Apply sunscreen half an hour after applying moisturizer.
Sunscreen protects your skin from the UV rays of the sun, if you apply it on a product, it will not work properly, so you should apply sunscreen before any other products other than a moisturizer.
Correct method to use sunscreen:
1. Apply sunscreen half an hour before leaving the house.
2. Keep a gap of 15 to 20 minutes between applying moisturizer and sunscreen, so that after mixing one product in the skin, we can apply the other.
3. There is no need to choose a sunscreen with high SPF. Like, as SPF 70 or 50. Sunscreens with low SPF are also effective such as SPF-30.
4. If you are an adult, then you can apply 35 ml of sunscreen all over the body throughout the day.
5. If you are going out for a workout, apply sunscreen before changing clothes.
6. Most people do not apply sunscreen in an area other than the face, but along with the face, sunscreen should also be applied on the neck, on the neck, ears, and hairline.
7. Sunscreen on hands, feet, and the rest of the body. For example, it should also be applied to the back or stomach.
8. Be it a rainy season or cold. You should apply sunscreen every day. If you are out for a long time, then you must apply sunscreen twice a day.
Should Sunscreen and Moisturizer Be Applied Together?
Different ingredients are used in sunscreens and moisturizers. Sunscreen protects you from the UV rays of the sun. Moisturizer works to keep your skin hydrated and soft. If you mix sunscreen and moisturizer, then both products will not be able to do their job properly.
Your skin will not get protection from the sun. If you have such a lotion or cream or which moisturizer. Sun protection gives both, so you can apply it.
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