SUNSCREEN FACTS: Things to Look While Choosing Sunscreen

SUNSCREEN FACTS: Things to Look While Choosing Sunscreen

There is a myth to apply sunscreen only during summer. But the concept is totally wrong. We tend to apply sunscreen only during summer. But sunscreen should be worn everyday, indoor or outdoor, all year around. It is an important preventive health care habit that should be maintained all year. It protects our skin from UV rays. Sunscreen blocks the UV rays and reduces sunburn.

SUNSCREEN FACTS: Things to Look While Choosing Sunscreen

Why should we use sunscreen all year?

Everyone who goes outside is exposed to sun, no matter whether it is monsoon, winter or summer season. The sun gives ultraviolet or UV rays that are harmful to our skin. The earth's ozone layers block the rays, but the amount that comes in our skin contact is harmful. Melanin protects our skin.  People with light skin have less melanin than dark-skinned people, so fair-skinned people get tan easily. Sun exposure can cause redness, pigmentation, blisters, peeling of the skin, tan, sunburn, and even skin cancer.  So, it’s a must to apply sunscreen all round the year during the day, even we are staying indoors and while cooking also.

What is SPF  in sunscreen?

SPF ( SUN PROTECTION  FACTOR) is a measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen can have a different level of SPF scale. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks 97% rays, SPF 50 blocks 98% of rays whereas SPF 75 blocks 99 % of sun rays. We have to choose how much time we are exposed to the sun or we remain outdoors.

DIFFERENT  TYPES OF SUNSCREEN

There are mainly two types of sunscreen, mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Each type uses a different mechanism for filtering UV rays and protecting the skin from damage.

Mineral sunscreen uses minerals as its active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide whereas Chemical sunscreens contain carbon compounds that create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays to heat, and release that heat from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are easy to use and apply while mineral sunscreens leave a white film on the skin and also gives better-prolonged protection from sun rays.

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POND'S Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 30
Lotus Herbals Safe Sun, Sun Block Cream Indian Summer Formulas
Lotus Herbals Sandalscreen Sandalwood Sunscreen Lotion with Moisturizer 

HOW TO CHOOSE SUNSCREEN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE

Choose a broad-spectrum, water resistance, higher SPF sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30, if applying foundation choose an SPF based one.

OILY SKIN

If you have oily skin that is allergic, sensitive choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that will not clog pores with a lighter base, gel base, or spray. Don’t forget to apply exposed body parts like back and hands. 

Here We Suggest some best Sunscreen for oily skin

NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER DRY TOUCH SUNBLOCK  SPF 50

Neutrogena is perhaps one of the best-known skincare brands for oily skin. It has a non-shiny finish. It leaves the skin soft and smooth. It is waterproof, sweatproof, oil-free, and non-comedogenic.

Buy from here

LOTUS HERBALS SAFE SUN 3 IN 1 MATTE LOOK DAILY SUNBLOCK

It is a revolutionary sun protection formulation which combines broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with skin lightening ingredients to give a uniform matte finish to the skin. Its fast absorption and non-greasy formula ensure a shine-free, light, and clean feel.

Buy from here

CETAPHIL PRO OIL ABSORBING MOISTURIZER SPF 30

Its formulation contains ingredients that absorb surface oil, reduce shine, and allow the skin to have a matte finish after application. It won't leave a whitish cast on darker skin tones.

Buy from here

DRY SKIN

If you are a dry skin beauty then opt for cream or moisturizing sunscreen. 

VLCC MOISTURIZING SUN BLOCK CREAM

It is enriched with active natural and organic ingredients that tend to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and supple. It has Spf 25 which acts as a shield to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. 

Buy from here

LAKME SUN EXPERT WITH SPF 30

It creates a protective shield on your skin which maintains the health of the skin keeping it moisturized all day long. It also gives a whitening glow to your face.

Buy from here

BIOTIQUE BIO PRO CARROT PROTECTIVE LOTION 

It keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. It also prevents skin from dark spots, patches, blemishes, and other dry skin problems.

Buy from here

SENSITIVE  SKIN

If you have highly sensitive skin or you suffer from photosensitivity then go for allergy or patch test, talk to a doctor before applying sunscreen.

During activity

If you plan to be active outdoors like you are playing or swimming choose water resistance, sweat proof, high SPF sunscreen, and should be reapplied after 2/3 hours.

We recommend these two for sensitive skin people.

Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sensitive

This oil-free, lightweight lotion is a great daily moisturizer with SPF 30. The Dermatology experts find this formula to be very well-tolerated on sensitive skin.

Buy from here

Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion

It’s formulated without known irritants to the skin. It’s generally considered safe for people who have eczema.

Buy from here

HOW TO USE A SUNSCREEN

Choose correct sunscreen according to your needs for the best protection. Apply evenly on the face, neck, back, hands, and other exposed parts. If you are on a beach vacation use a spray based, SPF 75, water resistance sunscreen. It takes 20 minutes for a sunscreen to be absorbed by skin, applies at least half an hour before stepping out in the sun.

Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours if staying out in the sun for more than an hour during the day.

Re-apply immediately after swimming, excessive sweating, even if the product claims to be “water-resistant”.

Sunscreen should be a must product in your vanity bag, re-apply after 2/3 hours by gently wiping the previous one with a wet tissue. If we work in the kitchen for long hours, sunscreen should be applied properly. Not only to protect your skin from tanning or discolorations, but we must apply to protect our skin from skin cancer also.

Author: Sreeparna Roy