A surge in skincare education over the past few years has been instrumental in shedding light on the benefits of incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine.
However, will every sunscreen product highlighted in the market suit your skin? No, this necessitates a thorough understanding of how SPF works, the types of sunscreen at your disposal, and how to choose the perfect one for your skin needs. Let’s explore these themes in the article below.
What is SPF: Why is it Necessary?
The sunscreens on the market will often display a SPFvalue to convey its effectiveness against sun exposure. SPF full form is sun protection factor whichindicates the ability of the product to shield the skin from UVB damage. Higher SPF values display the level of sun protection a sunscreen provides on application, as compared to the amount of sunburn on unprotected skin.
The values reveal more than you might expect. It spans from SPF 15 to 50+, wherein a higher number indicates more heightened skin protection in the same amount of time. Since no one sunscreen can provide complete sun defence, it is also necessary to include SPF in conjunction with protective clothes, hats, and sunglasses to reduce one’s exposure to radiation.
Protection against the UV rays is a genuine concern that demands to be addressed. The adverse effects of chronic sun exposure include photoaging, skin cancer, DNA damage, impaired tissue repair, and so on. Hence, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 is instrumental in protecting an individual from these harsh effects.
Types of Sunscreens
Namely, there are two reigning types of sunscreens:
- Chemical sunscreens: Containing filters such as PABA derivatives, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, etc, these work to protect the skin by absorb the UV rays.
- Physical sunscreens: On the other hand, these sunscreens include physical blockers like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide that disperses the UV rays to protect the skin.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen?
Here are a few factors that one may take into account before selecting the perfect sunscreen for their needs:
1. Skin type and Sensitivity
Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin types may benefit from non-comedogenic products and formulations like mineral sunscreens. These offer better skin tolerance, reducing potential irritation.
2. Extended Exposure
Depending on one’s sun exposure, they can opt for SPF 30 to 50 for adequate protection. It is also necessary to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so to combat prolonged UV exposure.
3. Forms of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is available in a range of formulations on the market, like lotions, creams, sticks, sprays and gels. While creams are perfect for individuals with dry skin, spray and stick sunscreens are great for reapplication, as they layer well over makeup.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Sunscreen
- Apply your sunscreen generously to maximize its effectiveness.
- Do not miss out on areas like behind the ears, back of the neck, etc.
- If you plan to go swimming, reapply your sunscreen at frequent intervals or immediately after drying.
- Be consistent in sunscreen usage, not only during the summer but also in the colder months of winter.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is one of the most crucial parts of your skincare routine. It not only boosts the effectiveness of your active but also protects the skin from further aggravators.
The trick to maximizing the benefits of your sunscreen is not just by picking the one with the highest SPF but also by applying it consistently. This commitment will help you reduce the risk of skin cancers and premature aging. Hence, pick one that suits daily usage for best results.