No matter what kind of skin routine you have, sunscreen should be one of the necessary products applied daily on the skin. Neglecting this product during summer can be damaging. People have many excuses why they don’t want to use sunscreen. But most commonly, they have irritation or simply don’t like sunscreens. Selecting sunscreen for your skin might seem easy until you see the thousands of sunscreens available. If you are using sunscreen, have you ever checked your sunscreen’s SPF (sun protection factor)?
According to Dermatologists’ recommendations, sunscreen with 15 SPF blocks approximately 93% of UV rays. A higher number of SPF blocks UV rays slightly more. But indeed, no sunscreen can block 100% UV rays. Before purchasing, you must check the SPF of the sunscreen.
It doesn’t matter if you have dry, oily, sensitive, combinational, or acne-prone skin; choosing the right sunscreen can save you from heat damage.
What is a sunscreen?
A product that keeps your skin protected from harmful ultraviolet rays being absorbed by your skin. Ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, leading to skin burns or even skin cancer. It acts as a shield or layer on your skin, which safeguards your skin. It’s a must-call to do before going out in the Heat.
Which sunscreen you should choose according to your skin type?
For dry skin
Dry skin lacks enough moisture to keep it soft. Xeroderma is a term used for dry skin. People with dry skin may experience tightness, flakiness, and more noticeable fine lines. If you have natural dry skin, select a moisturizing sunscreen to hydrate your skin and make it feel soft. Here is a list of the most effective sunscreens for dry skin.
- Minimalist Fluid Sunblock
- Foxtale Niacinamide Dewy Sunblock
- Aqualogica Illuminate+ Dewy Sunblock
- Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunblock
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock
For oily skin
Skin that appears shiny throughout is most likely to be oily. Oily skin occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce disproportionate amounts of sebum, giving the skin a glossy appearance. Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula sunscreens would be the best choice for oily skin. Here is a list of sunscreens for people with oily skin.
- Cerave Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion
- Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30
- MaeLove Sun Protector SPF 30 Mineral Sunblock
- COOLA Clear Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer Zinc Oxide
- Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF30
For sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin may react to products that contain chemicals, dyes, and fragrances when they come into contact with their skin. They may also get irritation or rashes from clothes. For sensitive skin, you should use mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Here is a list of sunscreens for acne-prone skin people.
- Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 50
- The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunblock SPF 30
- CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF 50+
- Odacite Mineral SPF 50 Drops
For acne-prone skin
If you notice big cystic bumps on your skin very often, you have acne-prone skin. Too much sebum can cause acne. Mineral sunscreen, which contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, is recommended for acne-prone skin. It can help to avoid breakouts and exacerbate active pimples. Here is a list of sunscreens for acne-prone skin people.
- Sheth’s Centella & Niacinamide Sunblock
- Foxtale Glow Sunblock SPF 50
- Sunscoop Oil-Control Gel Sunblock
- The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunblock
- Plum 2% Niacinamide Sunblock
For combinational skin
This type of skin includes dry and oily areas, with the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) completely oily and the cheeks dry or flaky. For combinational skin types, select non-comedogenic sunscreens. They help prevent breakouts and pimples on the oily part of the skin and keep it moist on the dry part. Here is a list of sunscreens for combinational skin people.
- Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Day Cream SPF 30
- Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid DePigmentation Cream
- Vitamin C SPF 75 Dry Touch Sunblock
- Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber After Sun Gel
- Aloe Vera, Green Tea & Cucumber Sunblock SPF 50
Benefits of sunscreen
There are multiple benefits of wearing sunscreen every day. Some of the benefits are listed below.
- lower skin cancer chances
- healthy skin
- shield from harmful UV radiation
- prevents sunburn
- prevents sunspots
- Helps to stop premature ageing
What do sunscreen SPF numbers mean?
Before you purchase sunscreen, it is necessary to understand what SPF is. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you how much protection you can get against ultraviolet rays. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number offer more protection.
Here is the chart showing the SPF protection score against UV radiation.
- SPF 2 blocks 50% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 4 blocks 75% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 10 blocks 90% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of ultraviolet radiation
- SPF 100 blocks 99% of ultraviolet radiation
How long does sunscreen last?
On average, sunscreen lasts for 2 or 3 hours. If you are running, doing exercise, or sweating, it is recommended to apply sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure 100% protection against UV rays. Sunscreen with a higher number of SPFs lasts longer than sunscreen with fewer SPFs.
How to wear it?
Before you wear sunscreen, use a moisturizer. It permits the sunscreen to adhere better to the skin. After applying it, you should apply approximately an ounce of sunscreen to the exposed parts of your body(face, neck, ear). Sunscreen wears off after 2 -3 hours, so apply it again.
Is sunscreen safe for kids?
Yes, kids can wear sunscreen. But make sure that their parents do this duty. Apply it safely, protecting the sensitive parts of kids. There is a variety of sunscreens available for kids on the market.
Is it safe to wear?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to wear. Scientific studies support the usage of sunscreen in everyday life. But it can cause irritation for some, especially people with sensitive skin. Irritation can occur in the area where sunscreen is applied.
Conclusion
Sunscreen must be part of your daily routine. Wear it before going out because it has many benefits and reduces UV rays. Whatever your skin type, there are sunscreens available for everyone. Please go through the post and make sure to use it daily.