The rising temperature, hot winds, the smell of mangoes; Summer is truly here in all its glory. As much as we love the sun and working up a summer tan, it’s essential to keep your skin sun safe. How do you find the perfect protection for your skin? We’ve decoded sunscreen to tell you everything you need to know before you hit the store!
With an array of sunscreen brands in the market, choosing the right one might seem like an arduous task. What does SPF mean? Does one need to keep reapplying sunscreen throughout the day for complete protection? Does sunscreen act as a moisturiser as well? Well, the questions that plague our thoughts are probably equal to the number of products on the shelves. In this blog, we’ve demystified and decoded sunscreen by tackling popular beliefs and common myths.
The SPF significance
The first thing that you need to consider is the Sun Protection Factor(SPF). So does a higher SPF mean more protection? Let’s break this down for you, for instance if your sunscreen is an SPF 25, it will take your skin twenty five times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
UV Protection
Secondly, you’ll find it surprising to know that you don’t just need sunscreen when you’re stepping out. Yes, the sun’s rays can still harm your skin when you’re indoors because the window panes in our homes don’t block out the sun’s UV rays. Ideally, an SPF 15 works for a day indoors and for a day out an SPF 30 and higher would serve you better. Pay close attention to the label and try finding a sunscreen that reads ‘broad spectrum’ on the label as this blocks out both UVA and UVB rays.
Application & usage
When it comes to application, all you need is about one and a half teaspoon for your face. Remember to apply your sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before you leave home. Also, you can’t just use your sunscreen once and expect all-day protection. Your sunscreen, no matter how effective, depletes with continued sun exposure. Hence, be smart and carry it along with you for a quick touch-up every 3-4 hours.
Choosing the right sunscreen
While lotions might be the most commonly available sunscreens, they don’t suit every type of skin. For combination and dry skin, lotions are perfect but if your skin is oily then a gel is a better choice.
Sunscreen is not a seasonal summer essential, in fact we suggest making it as part of your daily skincare routine. Apart from preventing your skin from burning, sunscreen also keeps wrinkles, spots and aging at bay.
Key pointers to consider when you’re shopping for sunscreen
- Consider your SPF and PA based on your sun exposure before settling on a product.
- Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen for better protection.
- If you have acne/ oily skin, choose a product that is ‘non comedogenic’ which means it’s free of ingredients that could block your pores
- Water-resistant sunscreens last for 40-80 minutes when you’re in the water
- Look for active ingredients like Zinc oxide, Avobenzone and titanium dioxide as they don’t burn or sting the eyes
We hope we’ve demystified and decoded sunscreen. Don’t forget to put your sunscreen on before you step out to have some fun in the sun! Keep up with the latest happenings, wellness tips for your skin, hair and health by following us on Instagram. You can also browse though our range of cosmeceutical and wellness products.