Skin goes through UV radiation through everyday activity like exposure in peak sunlight, frequent outdoor activity, or even daily commutes. Even though sunlight should be a part of a healthy lifestyle, exposing them way more frequently leads to damaging skin like premature ageing signs, sun burns, pigmentation, and even spots in the skin. This is why using SPF should be a part of the skincare routine.
Sunscreen might be another skincare product, but it plays a very important role in skincare - which is protecting skin. While travelling or spending time outdoors, using this product can help in protecting skin from various sun damages. Opting for the right formulation and using them properly in your routine matters the most!
Get to know in detail about SPF, the number, types of sunscreen, formulation, suitability based on your skin type, along with their benefits and what all should be considered before picking, everything in detail.
What SPF Sunscreen Means?
It's a Sun Protection Factor, which does its job of protecting the skin from the skin radiations. It does not mean that your skin is in the safe zone post SPF application; There are factors like when you are using, how much product is being applied, is reapplication done, and everything else decides the level of protection it gives to the skin.
The sunscreen role is to absorb the rays, reflect or scatter, completely depending on the formulation of the product and the ingredients list. For a better option, opt for broad spectrum sunscreen which protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
Why Is SPF Sunscreen Important?
SPF Sunscreen helps in protecting skin from daily UV exposure, even when weather feels cloudy or if the sunlight does not seem to be strong. Here are some of the reasons why it's an important part of a regular skincare routine.
1. Prevents Sunburn
UVB radiation is one which damages the outer skin layer which leads to redness, tenderness, and even peeling. So, opting for broad spectrum sunscreen with right SPF reduces the risk of sunburns especially when applied correctly.
2. Reduces Dark Spot Appearance
Repeated sun exposure tends to worsen the pigmentation and spots on the skin even more noticeable. This is why it can be frustrating when you follow a routine especially to manage uneven skin tone and acne marks.
Daily SPF sunscreen helps in reducing the UV related pigmentation. They do not erase overnight, but consistency helps in managing uneven skin tone.
3. Complements Skincare Regimen
Even though everyday skincare like moisturizer, serum, etc works, all of them show results only when the new concern like pigmentation, tan etc does not form or appear newly. Wondering which comes first, sunscreen or moisturizer? Getting to know which comes first and always use SPF as a skin protector from the harsh rays emitted from sunrays.
Understanding SPF Numbers
These SPF numbers might be confusing when choosing sunscreen. SPF 30 and SPF 50 are commonly used everyday sun protection, but they differ in the amount of UV blockage under testing conditions.
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SPF rating
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Approximate UVB blocked
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What it means
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SPF 15
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93%
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Basic UVB protection
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SPF 30
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97%
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High UVB protection
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SPF 50
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98%
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Very high UVB protection
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It's an approximate number and it does exactly mean like you can stay under the sun for 30 to 50 mins under the sun without risk. No SPF can block the radiation completely while the level of protection gets decreased when using little product or when not reapplying.
For everyday SPF protection, go with SPF 30 or above for making it a practical choice. When spending a lot of time outdoors under the sun , ensuring to use SPF 50 sunscreen and reapplication is a must.
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: Which Is Better?
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Feature
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SPF 30 sunscreen
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SPF 50 sunscreen
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UVB protection
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Gives approximately 97% under testing conditions.
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Gives around 98% protection approximately.
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Everyday use
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Perfect for everyday activities
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Suitable for daily usage and high exposing activities.
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Outdoor activities
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Can be suitable when applying correctly.
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Offers a greater margin of UVB protection
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Prioritises
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Broad-spectrum coverage and adequate application
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Broad-spectrum coverage and adequate application
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Which should you choose?
Choosing a broad spectrum SPF 30 protection makes you feel comfortable enough when using them consistently and generously. Always opt for choosing the best sunscreen recommended by sunscreen in India, as they will match your skin type. While choosing SPF 50 you can spend more time outdoors but reapplication is a must. Using both SPF 30 sunscreen and SPF 50 sunscreen together based on the needs compared to the needs.
Types of Sunscreen
1. Mineral Sunscreen
Here, it uses filters such as Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. These filters help in protecting skin though the process of absorption, reflection, and scattering.
People with sensitive skin prefer this type of SPF sunscreen; But sustainability depends on complete formulation, mineral sunscreen leaves a visible cast depending on skin tone and product.
2. Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical Sunscreen uses organic UV filters where the radiation gets absorbed and then converted into a small amount of heat. Different filters protect against parts of the spectrum, so that the formulation matters.
These SPF sunscreens are available in the form of lotion, gels, creams, and even fluids. The finish varies widely and it's important to pick the right formula based on skin type.
3. Hybrid Sunscreen
Hybrid SPF generally is a combination of mineral and organic UV filters in the same formulation. The major aim is to provide UV protection while balancing other factors like texture, spreadability, and finish.
Rather than the type, check the SPF rating, broad spectrum claims, usage directions, and skin suitability.
Benefits of Sunscreen for Different Skin Concerns
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For Pigmentation & Dark Spots
Exposing under direct sunlight tends to darken existing pigmentation and even lead to uneven skin tone. So, using SPF sunscreen consistently helps in limiting further UV skin darkening and complements the pigmentation treatments. If you are someone with combinational skin, choose SPF based on dermat recommendation.
When you are concerned about persistent spots, remember to use SPF as a preventive step rather than considering treatment for pigmentation.
People with acne prone skin tend to avoid sunscreen because they worry about oiliness or breakouts post application. However using SPF alone is a major task especially when using ingredients that tend to increase the sensitivity to sunlight. Choosing SPF according to dermat-recommendation for acne-prone skin will be a safer option.
For dryness in the skin, using moisturizing ingredients help in sealing the dryness, so picking the right nourishing product works. So, ensure to go with cream-based formulation as they are SPF's preferred for dry skin by dermatologists for complementing your routine and keeping skin completely hydrated.
For the mid-morning shine during the skin, opting for light-weight, lotion based products will be a better choice for getting the dose of protection without greasiness. Always pick SPF Sunscreen designed for oily skin, so that they will feel lighter and easily absorbs without any oiliness
Never skip using SPF sunscreen just because skin produces excess oil. Instead opt for ones which you wear easily while reapplication.
People with sensitive or reactive skin often trigger even with simple things like preservatives, fragrances, and even certain ingredients which will not suit skin. If you are someone with reactive skin, go with products which are free from fragrance.
Ways to Pick the Right SPF Sunscreen
1. Pick sunscreen that protects both UVA and UVB radiation which protects skin from radiation.
2. For everyday usage, go with SPF 30 sunscreen or high. If you are spending for a longer time period, go with SPF 50 sunscreen.
3. Pick SPF based on your skin type. For eg, if you have dry skin go with cream based SPF; Or if you have oily skin, opt for get-based options.
4. Application matters since the easier it blends on the skin, the better you will reach for the product often.
5. Read the label before picking the SPF, since there are others which matter that include usage, broad spectrum, water resistancy, and everything.
How to Apply SPF Sunscreen Correctly
1. Cleanse with basic face wash. The basic step which elevated your skincare to the next level.
2. Skin always needs hydration, so moisturizing post cleansing helps in prepping the skin well.
3. Take SPF of your choice in 2-fingers and gently apply all over your face, neck, and even ears.
4. Use them 10 - 15 minutes before exposure to sun rays.
5. Reapply if you are constantly there in sunlight for a long time period.
People also wonder if SPF sunscreen should be used at night also?
SPF Mistakes to Avoid
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Common mistake
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What to do instead
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Using pea-sized amount of sunscreen
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Take product of around 2 whole fingers, and layer evenly on exposed areas.
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Forgetting the ears, under eye, and neck area.
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Extend application beyond the central face
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Skipping reapplication outdoors
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Reapply every 2 to 3 hours post swimming or heavy sweating.
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Choosing SPF based only on the number
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Check broad-spectrum coverage and the directions for use
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Why Choose Deyga Sunscreen?
Choosing a SPF sunscreen does not depend on SPF number alone. There are various factors which play a key role in choosing SPF sunscreen like texture, formulation, and consistency you are using!
Deyga has two SPF ranges SPF 30 and SPF 50, which is required for everyday and maximum protection. Picking the right SPF matters when picking the best SPF for your face majorly based on your needs and skin texture.
At Deyga, their SPF range has zinc oxide which is blended with other ingredients like carrot seed and raspberry seed oil.
Conclusion
SPF sunscreen alone is a star ingredient in skincare, but when it's combined with proper routine it will give a healthy and tan-free skin by guiding with the right dose of protection. The SPF helps in protecting the skin against the harsh rays which causes sun burns and also damages skin with skin issues like pigmentation and signs of ageing.
Ensure to use SPF sunscreen a daily part of skincare, and for added benefits go with the right texture and best products which suit your skin type.