How To Choose Sunscreen

Sunscreen, one of the common skincare products that everyone should incorporate in your skincare routine. No matter what your skincare goal is, like preventing skin tan, reducing the pigmentation, stopping the signs of ageing, protecting from skin cancer, and more plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin.

But since there are a huge range of sunscreen’s available in the market, it might be overwhelming to choose one. With labels like SPF 30, SPF 50, PA+++, chemical sunscreen, broad spectrum, tinted, gel-based, and even more which leads to that confusion.

In this blog, you will know in detail about sunscreen, how to choose one for your skin type, climate, and specific concerns.

How to Choose Sunscreen - The Right Way

There are certain criteria to match which includes SPF, formulation, type of the product, skin type, and more. Choosing the best sunscreen or your skin depends on the above factors which when missed lead to skin issues like breakouts, dryness, and irritated skin.

Sunscreen - Is It Essential

Yes, knowing this matters because only then you will be able to use them every single day in your AM routine.

1. Helps in protecting skin from harsh UV rays.

2. Generally UV rays are of two types - UVA and UVB

3. UVA  leads to signs of ageing, causing pigmentation, and also penetrates deeper into the skin.

4. While in other cases, UVB rays might lead to sunburn, damage the external part of the skin, and at times even lead to skin cancer.

Understanding SPF: What It Really Means

SPF (Sun Protection Factor), tends to measure the amount of protection it gives to the skin.

For eg, if you are using SPF 15, then it blocks around 93% UVB rays. And in either case if you are using SPF 50 sunscreen, then they block around 98%. But the key is, the protection stays maximum for 3 hrs and not more than that!

When the SPF number is higher, it does not mean the protection stays for the whole day. THe key difference between SPF 30 and 50 might be small, but in case of sun sensitivity, it matters.

Which SPF Should You Choose?

If you stay inside the walls, SPF 30 sunscreen is more than enough. And in either case, if you step out under the sun, SPF 50 is a must. For intense sun exposure, more than SPF 50 + is wiser choice.

And one more factor to consider includes “Broad-Spectrum.” Without using a broad spectrum, you might not experience sun burn, but they will still cause signs of aging. The presence of this helps in protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen

Knowing the difference helps in making you understand which one to choose based on skin type and lifestyle.

Choosing Sunscreen Based on Skin Type

1. Oily Skin

• Get your hands on dermat-recomended sunscreen for oily skin, and they will be mostly gel-based, has oil-free formulation, has matte finish, and is also non-comedogenic too. 

• Avoid using heavy cream based ones since they will clog pores.

2. Dry Skin

• When you have dull skin, go with ones which have cream-based formulation and hydrating ingredients like HA or glycerin.

• Also ensure to pick ones which SPF 30 and above.

• Avoid sunscreen which has alcohol-based formulations.

3. Acne-Prone Skin

• Pick sunscreen which has label non-comedogenic, free from oils/butters, mineral-based ones, and also a major important step - fragrancefree ones.

• Avoid thick and greasy options, since they are way more safer and suit your skin type.

4. Sensitive Skin

• Choose sunscreen which is mineral-based, free from fragrance, hypo-allergic, and minimal ingredient list.

• Avoid using chemical fillers, since there are chances your skin might be irritated.

5. Combination Skin

• Pick light-weight sunscreen, gel-based, and balanced ones for your skin.

Water-Resistant vs Waterproof

None of the sunscreen is completely waterproof. Water resistant means they will help in protecting your skin 40 - 80mins especially in the water. So, post swimming or sweating ensure to reapply.

Sunscreen Texture Guide

• Gel - Best for oily skin

• Cream - Best for dry skin

• Lotion - Suitable for most skin types

• Stick - Perfect and convenient for reapplication; But not hygienic

• Spray -  Convenient but may require even blending. Best compared to the stick version.

What About PA Rating?

PA rating measures UVA protection.

• PA+ : Some protection

• PA++ : Moderate protection

• PA+++ : High protection

• PA++++ : Extremely high protection

Choose at least PA+++ for daily use.

Tinted Sunscreen: Is It Better?

Tinted versions are best for pigmented skin, melasma, and even uneven skin tone. The presence of iron oxide helps in protecting skin from visible light. Provides light coverage like a BB cream.

Sunscreen for Different Age Groups

1. Children

Choose mineral sunscreen which is SPF 30 and above; Go with gentle options and get ones recommended for children.

2. Adults

Go with sunscreen which has SPF 30 to SPF 50; Choose texture based on your skin type for best results.

3. Pregnant Women

Choosing Mineral sunscreen is safe and the best choice.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?

Use the “Two-Finger Rule” for the face and neck. One line for the face and the other one for the neck. This is considered more than enough.

When it comes to the whole body, 2 table spoons might be best considering hands, legs, and other parts which are exposed to sun rays.

When and How to Reapply

Reapply is required every 2 - 3 hours, especially when you are outdoors, after heavy sweating, and post-swimming. Even indoors, reapply if exposed to sunlight.

Common Sunscreen Myths

Myth 1: Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen

No, all skin shade should use SPF sunscreen in their AM routine.

Myth 2: Sunscreen is only for summer

Never. They should be used in every climatic condition; Even in winter, the sun rays penetrate.

Myth 3: Makeup with SPF is enough

Generally the amount of protection is low; So, separate SPF products are recommended.

Ingredients to Avoid (If Sensitive)

• Oxybenzone

• Artificial fragrance

• Alcohol (if very dry skin)

Signs Your Sunscreen Isn’t Right for You

When you frequently experience skin issues like breakouts, excess oiliness, white cast, skin burning sensation, or dry patches, it is better to swap with a new one since they do not suit your skin type.

Conclusion

Learning how to pick the right sunscreen helps in making you know which is the right one for your skin and even overall lifestyle. Even though it’s quite normal to get confused, choosing the right SPF based sunscreen is a must for protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.