Good sunscreen is a year-round necessity for healthy skin, but there is a lot of information to remember when purchasing sunscreen. There are many various types of sunscreen available since different people may have varied needs for sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a one-size-fits-all product. Others may want it for protection against perspiration or water, while others may only need it for everyday wear. The ideal choice may also depend on the type of skin you have. Here’s how to choose your new favourite sunscreen so you can enjoy the sun in safety.
Read also: Harmful Side Effects Of Makeup On The Skin And Body
What To Consider When Buying Sunscreen
Start with SPF 30 and increase to SPF 50
Sunburns are caused by UVB rays, whereas UVA rays induce wrinkles and hasten the ageing process as well as skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which blocks 97 per cent of UVB rays from the sun. SPF 15 offers 93 per cent protection, so it’s not like SPF 30 is “twice” as effective. Higher SPFs are better for people with pale skin or those who burn easily, but bear in mind that increases are small. For those with fair skin or those who burn easily, the AAD advises SPF 50, although you shouldn’t insist on using the maximum amount.
Know the Ingredients in Your Sunscreen
You can check the ingredients list to make sure you have the necessary quality and coverage. Look for the term “wide spectrum” on the label to be sure you have UVA and UVB protection. Natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are used in mineral (or physical) sunscreen to reflect the sun’s rays away from your skin. The chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use substances like bemotrizinol, avobenzone, and biscotizole, all of which offer broad-spectrum protection.
Additionally, you might want to stay away from substances like oxybenzone, which the Environmental Working Group (EWG) claims can lead to hormone disruption and allergic skin reactions. Additionally problematic is the preservative methylisothiazolinone.
Think About Your Skin Type
Many sunscreens are designed expressly to benefit those with sensitive, dry, or oily skin. People with dry skin should avoid sunscreen sprays and gels that include alcohol and instead look for substances like glycerin, lanolin, oils, silicones (like dimethicone), and aloe.
The finest lotions for oily skin are those that are thin or gel-like and contain substances like silica or isododecane.
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products, as well as mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are suitable choices for people with sensitive skin. Preservatives and alcohol should also be avoided.
If you have rosacea, stay away from alcohol, but if you’re prone to acne consider it
Alcohol, a frequent element in sunscreen, may need to be taken into account by those with rosacea or acne, especially if they also use other skin care products. Alcohol-containing sunscreens should be avoided by those with rosacea or allergies, but “patients with acne may find gel compositions, which typically contain alcohol, less likely to aggravate acne,” according to the study. These may be more effective than oily, cream-based sunscreens for those who are prone to acne. Yet another anti-acne advice? “Unlike the majority of other chemical sunscreens, the UVB filter ensulizole has a lighter, less greasy consistency. But most importantly, pay attention to your skin. For instance, a mild cream can help balance out the drying effects of acne medication or treatment.
Stock Up, Particularly During “Outdoor” Season
If you don’t apply enough sunscreen or reapply at the proper time, you won’t be able to get the full amount of protection it can provide. The AAD recommends applying sunscreen every two hours, and most individuals need to apply “at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount you can hold in your palm,” in order to get enough protection. Sunscreen expires in two to three years, so try to estimate how much you would use before you buy. You may require a greater supply if you spend a lot of time outside.
Understand how to incorporate sunscreen into your makeup routine
Integrating the use of sunscreen into your morning routine is an excellent method to maintain a positive sunscreen habit. There are several foundations with SPF; it would be a mistake to rely just on one foundation for your daily SPF. Use sunscreen either before or after a protective moisturizer before wearing makeup. Allow the sunscreen to absorb before wiping up any excess with a tissue. Make sure to wash the sunscreen off your hands before putting on any makeup.
What about reapplying sunscreen over makeup later on in the day? However, the majority of us don’t have time for that. “Ideally, you would wash your face and start over.” Instead, you can “spray throughout the day as it resets makeup while providing SPF” by using a cosmetic setting spray with SPF.
Choose a sunscreen that you enjoy using
Pick a sunscreen that you enjoy wearing because doing so enhances the likelihood that you will use it to protect your skin. It is not worth it to have a sunscreen that meets all the requirements but is uncomfortable to use. Some sunscreens could come with some lovely extras (such as glitter, colour, or fruit ingredients) that would entice you to reapply. That could sometimes be the deciding factor.