How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For You
If you’re looking for a quick guide to choosing the right sunscreen for you, here it is. Follow these tips and fully protect your skin.
When preparing for a holiday, the most essential thing you need, except of course your bikini, is sunscreen.
Although we should always protect our skin from too much sun exposure, we tend to only use protection when going on holiday.
Sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, not just at the times you excessively expose yourself to the sun. You need to protect your skin from UV radiation.
Our skin can become defenseless when it is constantly exposed to sunlight. Wrinkles can appear more easily, and the skin can be damaged. You can get sunburned, or even skin cancer can be in the cards when it comes to too much UV radiation.
Of course, locking yourself indoors is not an option, so the next best thing you can do is to use sunscreen.
Not to worry if you don’t know anything about sunscreen. This is where I can help you. There are a few tips that can help you get more knowledgeable when it comes to protecting your skin.
We will start with the most basic thing which is explaining how sunscreens work.
How Do Sunscreens Work?
Essentially, sunscreens work by absorbing or blocking the UV rays. This is possible through different chemical and physical particles.
Any chemical ingredient that you find in the sunscreen will react with the UV rays before it will infiltrate the skin.
Meanwhile, the physical particles, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide will reflect the UV rays from the skin.
What To Look For When Choosing The Right Sunscreen?
Take a look at this list that will help you find the right sunscreen for you. There are just a few basic things that will make you more knowledgeable when it comes to skin protection.
1. Choose A Broad Spectrum Of SPF
The sun protection factor, or SPF, it’s usually a number on the bottle of your sunscreen. This number will tell you how good of a job can your sunscreen do.
For example, a 30 to 50 SPF will provide better protection against skin damage and skin burn. These types of products can even stop UVA radiation.
Going to the beach or staying outside for long periods of time requires good protection. A hot and sunny day equals a broad spectrum of SPF.
Anything that has a lower SPF number, such as 15 or even 5 will get you lesser protection against the sun.
But do not consider buying sunscreen with over 50 SPF. That product will not give you better protection and they are usually very expensive.
2. Think Of The Level Of Your Sun Exposure
As I said before, the more you stay in the sun, the more protection you need. So if you are not staying all day at the beach, or don’t spend hours outside in the sun, you can use different protection for your skin.
UV rays are the strongest around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So as much as possible, avoid going out during this timeframe, especially on hot days.
Usually, the power of the sun is determined by the ultraviolet index. This index will range from low, meaning 1, to an extreme, which is 11.
Just know that when the UV index is above 8 your skin can burn in 15 minutes or less if unprotected.
You can easily check the UV index on your phone on the wheater app. This way you will know what protection your skin will need when going outside.
So based on the level of your sun exposure, here is what you will need as sunscreen:
- For sport or swimming, the best thing is to use water or even sweat-resistant sunscreen. Use SPF 30, or even higher if you are pale, and try to reapply after every hour.
- For everyday use, such as going shopping or so, try to use SPF 15 to make sure you are getting some protection.
- When you go outdoors for long periods of time, you need good skin protection. If you are out for more than 2 hours, use at least SPF30 sunscreen, especially if your skin tone is light.
3. Types Of Sunscreen
Your preference will decide on this one. These different types of sunscreen refer to the transfer to the skin. This will only affect how it looks or how your skin feels.
All these types of sunscreens can offer you the same UV protection:
Lotions
By choosing these types of sunscreens, you will get well-moisturized skin. You can get these for any skin type and any SPF you want.
Sprays
These are great for applying them in hard-to-reach spots. It’s a good option for people with a more hairy body.
Just make sure you are not inhaling the spray when you will apply the sunscreen.
Sticks
A very easy-to-throw-in-the-purse way of using sun protection. Use them by applying them to the skin and rubbing them in. They’re very good for traveling because they won’t leak into your baggage.
Oils
For me personally, these are the best. They are easy to apply, spreads evenly on the skin, and leave a nice glossy finish.
No matter the type of sunscreen you choose, make sure it provides the right SPF protection for you and your situation.
These products have a shelf life of 3 years and you need to store them in cool and dry places.
4. Read The Label In Search For Active Ingredients
The best formulas that should be found in your sunscreen need to include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone.
Just make sure that you avoid any sunscreen product that contains vitamin A. Studies have shown that these types of products can increase the risk of skin cancer.
The Takeaway
There is nothing complicated about choosing the right sunscreen for you. Just make sure that you are using the correct SPF protection, and that you are reading the label.
You can choose from a large range of sunscreen formulas so I am sure you find something that suits you. Take care of your skin every time you go outside and apply some sunscreen.