You cannot do without sunscreen but choosing one that suits your skin, gives you maximum coverage is important. Here’s how to invest in this skin product judiciously.
One skincare product you should always have in your bag while stepping out is sunscreen lotion. Sun breaks havoc on the skin resulting in freckles, sunspots, tanning and early sign of ageing. A good sunscreen is a key to healthy-looking skin. Just like other skincare products, there is no one-size-fits-all sunscreen out there. Some people may want a sweat-proof, water-resistant product while others for everyday wear and multiple applications. Your skin type will also determine what kind of sunscreen is suitable for you.
Start with SPF 30 but limit to SPF 50
Both UVA and UVB rays are harmful to the skin. Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30, which protects against 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Women with lighter complexion and those who burn easily should use a sunblock with SPF 50. But no sunscreen can give 100% coverage!
Choose sunscreen according to skin type
Read out the ingredients present in the sunscreen. While oils, lanolin and glycerin are suitable for dry skin. The ones with oily skin should opt for gel-based sunscreen with ingredients like silica or isododecane. If you have sensitive skin, use fragrance-free mineral sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide. If you’re using an acne medication cream, a light cream can help balance out the drying effects of the acne medication.
UVA filters used in sunscreen
Any sunblock lotion needs to have least one of the UVA filters, i.e. oxybenzone, ecamsule, bematrinizoll, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone; however, ingredients like oxybenzone may cause allergies and hormonal imbalance. So go through a patch test before buying a pack of sunscreen lotions.
Manufacture and expiry dates
Using a sunscreen product beyond its expiry date can wreak havoc for your skin and the chemicals in its composition degrade with time. Always buy one whose manufacturing date is closest to the present day.
Sunscreen with antioxidants
The sun can work in hideous ways for your skin. It depletes your skin’s antioxidants, so if you can replace those healthy molecules while you protect against the sun’s rays, even better. Invest in sunscreen lotions with antioxidants. Some of the sunscreens have built-in antioxidants like Vitamin A, which increase the risk of sun sensitivity.
Soaking some Vitamin D from the sun is great but only when you first go out early in the morning when the air is clear but carries risks beyond the occasional sunburn. Hence, stay protected, and you’ll thank yourself later!
