Best Sunscreen: Know The Criteria For Choosing The Ideal One
- Lifestyle Beauty
Bhanupriya Ramanathan- 0
- 9 minutes read
If there is any one skincare product that you should keep handy always then it has to be your sunscreen. It is your most ideal defense against the powerful ultraviolet ray of the sun and regular use minimizes your risk of causing skin cancer. In this article, we are going to look at how to choose the best sunscreen for you.
If your previous experiences with the use of sunscreen have been less than good, then you can push those thoughts aside as we are going to discuss everything that you should know to choose the best sunscreen for your skin. So without any further delay, let us begin.
How To Select The Best Sunscreen?
Not sure how to select the best sunscreen for you? We have spoken to several board certified dermatologists to cut via the SPF confusion. They state the first thing to do is begin with four non negotiables. Any sunscreen you purchase should cater to the following criteria.
- Broad spectrum, which safeguards against both UV-B and UV-A rays.
- SPF 30 or higher than that.
- Did not cross its expiration date
- Is the one that you do not mind using.
From there, you can take personal decisions related to physical vs chemical formulation type and SPF level. Choosing the best sunscreen, provided the numerous choices available in the industry and the unintelligible jargon on their packs is not convenient. Here are some factors that your sunscreen should imbibe in itself. To know more, keep reading.
Sun Protection Factor
The number of SPF tells you how effective a sunscreen is against UVB rays and for how long can that sunscreen stay in the sun prior to your skin beginning to burn. An SPF 15, for example, would enable you to remain 15 times longer in the sun that you can without protection. A sunscreen that has SPF 15 safeguards against 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 against 97% and best sunscreen SPF 50 against 98%. For remaining safe, you should look for a sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 30 for Indian summer.
Broad Spectrum
Search for ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘broad spectrum UVA-UVB’ mentioned on your sunscreen. It is among that one factor that makes all the difference. It implies the sunscreen will safeguard you from both forms of UV rays – UVA that creates skin aging and UVB that causes burns, skin cancer, and tans. So broad spectrum is very very important.
Water Resistance
Your day out in the sun is likely to include a swim. At the least, the tropical weather of India is going to make you sweat. Choose a sunscreen that is water resistant. It will offer you safeguard for 40 to 80 mins in the water.
PABA Free
PABA is often used in the stands of sunscreen for para-aminobenzoic acid. Although it helps to absorb the UV rays of the sun, the related skin allergies, even pigmentation, and skin irritation from it are not absolutely worth it. So always go PABA free.
Physical Vs Chemical
The pasty, thick formulas, which keep a white cast on your face are the physical sunscreens often known as ‘sunblock’. While the easy-to-rub-in, smooth, moisturizer like the ones are the chemical sunscreens. A physical sunscreen blocks or deflects the rays of the sun and starts to work instantly as you apply it, while the latter enters in the skin and soaks up the rays and takes 20 minutes to start working.
Choose physical sunscreen if:
- You have sensitive skin
- You have skin that is prone to acne
- You prefer ‘natural’ skincare items
Choose chemical sunscreen if:
- You choose a lightweight and sheer formulation
- You have a dark complexion
- You wish to avoid a white cast
Once you have found the best sunscreen for face in India, do not allow anything to stop you from having some good time in the sun. You will also get many of the best sunscreens for oily skin.
Best Sunscreen Types
Sunscreen arrives in various forms that include gel, cream, sticks, sprays, serum, lotion, and powder. According to a famous dermatologist,
“I suggest having a plethora of all of the types of sun protection and select what is best for your life each day. For instance, a spray at the beach, a lotion at the pool, and a stick for your kids and your eyes, lips, nose. A powder for reapplication during the day over your makeup is also good to keep on hand.”
A sheer SPF cream, serum, or gel for your face is nice for regular wear and pairs effectively with makeup. Every sunscreen type needs a unique application strategy. Abide the label instructions to ensure you are receiving the implied SPF protection.
Other Consideration When Choosing A Sunscreen
Several lifestyle factors may also come into play when selecting the best sunscreen in India for your skin.
Acne Prone Or Sensitive Skin
Select a physical SPF that is free of dyes or fragrances. Items termed as non-comedogenic are most ideal for acne prone skin.
Playing Sports
Seating can decrease the efficacy of the sunscreen that you use. A sport sunscreen is created to withstand and offer longer protection.
Spending Time Outdoor
If you spend most of your time outdoors, always choose for a higher SPF. As longer exposure requires a higher level of sunscreen.
Reapplication And Makeup
Sunscreen should always be reapplied each two hours to four hours, or after you get wet. If you wear makeup, select sunscreen that is convenient to reapply like a pressed powder or a lightweight moisturizing sunscreen.
Closing Lines
At the end of the day, or should we state “at the starting of the day” the best sunscreen for you is one that caters the non negotiable approaches and is convenient to slather on. After all, when an item is easy to use, it is much more convenient to include into your regular routine. Taking into account the Indian skin type, you will get ample sunscreens in the market to choose from.
