Suncare Simplified: How to Choose a Sunscreen That Suits You

Summertime is synonymous with fun in the sun. Kids enjoy their summer vacations, while adults love flaunting their fashionable, vibrant clothes to colleges and workplaces. Unfortunately, summers are also synonymous with skin problems like tan, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, etc. It is therefore essential to apply sunscreen before heading out.

Sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, but choosing the right one for your needs can be tricky. A sun protection creamcomes in various formulations. You can opt for a matte sunscreen if you have oily skin or a cream-based one if you have dry skin. Not only this, there are many factors you should consider while buying sunscreen for optimum protection and a non-greasy look. This guide will walk you through the aspects you must consider while choosing a suitable sunscreen.

First, let’s understand the basics.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

A sunscreen lotion works by absorbing or reflecting harmful UV rays of the sun, keeping it undamaged. Physical or mineral sunscreens have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that create a layer on the skin’s surface to prevent the UV rays from penetrating it. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and break them down into harmless compounds.

Choosing The Right Sunscreen

#1: SPF or the Sun Protection Factor

SPF is the most critical aspect to consider while buying sunscreen. It measures how well a sunscreen will shield skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and other skin damage. A sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks around 96.7% of UVB rays, whereas an SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. It is recommended to apply a sunscreen lotion with an SPF 50 for optimum protection. Try a matte sunscreen like Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Vitamin-C MatteGEL Daily Sunscreen SPF 50, as it won’t clog your pores or make your skin look oily/greasy. This matte gel is light on your skin, and the SPF 50 PA++ provides broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, as this sunscreen is rich in Vitamin C with Orange and Kakadu Plum extracts, it brightens the skin and protects it against environmental aggressors.

#2: Active Ingredients

The ingredients of sunscreen determine its effectiveness. Look for SPF formulated with natural ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Orange extracts, which have antioxidant properties that help reverse sun damage. 

#3: Formulations

How you use sunscreen also determines its effectiveness and how it feels after use. Thus it is essential to opt for a formulation that suits your skin. Some of the most common sunscreen formulations available in the market are:

• Sunscreen sprays: A sunscreen spray makes the application and reapplication relatively easy. The water-based formulation makes the product feel light and non-sticky and thus can be used conveniently in extreme weather conditions. Choose sunscreen sprays like Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Intensive Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 UVA infused with all-natural ingredients like Sage Extract, Chamomile Extract, and Thyme Extracts. They not only protect the skin from harmful UV rays but also soothe the skin with their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sunscreen creams and lotions: These are the most commonly bought types of sunscreens. These lotions have different ingredients, formulations, and SPFs to cater to different skin types. Choose a gel-based sunscreen with a matte finish if your skin is oily or it’s summer, while it’s better to go with a sunscreen if you have oily skin or it’s winter.

#4: Exposure Level

Before buying sunscreen for your skin, consider the hours you spend in sunlight. For example,

• Prefer a sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 or higher if you spend a significant amount of time outside.
• However, if you stay the whole day indoors, you can opt for a sunscreen with SPF 15 or 20.
• Sports enthusiasts must opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF. Try Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Sports Super-Stay Sunscreen SPF 70 PA+++, which has a water and sweat-proof formula that forms a preventive layer over the skin to guard it against environmental aggressors and shield it from free radical damage.
• There are sweat-resistant sunscreens that can protect you from water sports like swimming, etc.

#5: Application

You must keep several things in mind while applying sunscreen to your face and body. Some of these things include:

• Follow the two-finger rule to get the correct amount of sunscreen for application. Squeeze out sunscreen on two fingers. You should ideally use this amount on your face for optimum coverage.
• You should apply sunscreen throughout the year, irrespective of the seasons and the months.
• Reapply every 2 hours for optimum protection.
• You should apply sunscreen to your face, hands, neck, or any other body part that is exposed to sunlight.

Wrapping Up!

Invest your time in researching before you choose a sunscreen lotion. Think of the SPF needed, the formulation that will suit your skin type, and the best natural ingredients for extra benefits. Also, consider how much time you spend in the sun before buying sunscreen.

Now you can make an informed decision and buy the best sunscreen to protect your skin.