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The UV index in India is seriously high right now. Anything below 6 is categorised as moderate, but tons of places are way past 9. These are seriously high levels of UV radiation! Stepping out of your house with that level of UV radiation practically guarantees sunburn. Not only that, but it also accelerates the chances of skin cancer and eye problems. Wearing sunglasses, full-sleeve clothing, and hats with wide brims are highly recommended, but that's not enough!
This is where our superhero, sunscreen, comes in. Thinking of sunscreen as just a beauty product is no more than a stereotype now. The days are long gone when sunscreen was optional or just for looks. Now, it's a necessity! An essential skincare product you absolutely shouldn't skip. Premature aging, loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, and of course, tanned skin—sunscreen helps protect against all these skin concerns, maintaining healthy skin.
What's SPF? How does SPF work?
SPF – Sun Protection Factor is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. How does SPF work? Look, the SPF number indicates how much longer it would take for your skin to start burning when using the sunscreen compared to having no sunscreen at all. Let's make it easy to understand. Suppose your unprotected skin typically starts to burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure. Now, if you apply SPF 30 sunscreen (in the correct manner), it theoretically allows you to stay in the sun for approximately 30 times longer (300 minutes) before burning. This is how SPF works. Also, keep in mind that SPF mainly measures protection against UVB rays, making broad-spectrum sunscreen a must.
- SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays
Types of sunscreen and sunscreen formulas
Not all sunscreens available on the market are the same, and to choose the most suitable option for you, it's important to know about the primary types of sunscreen. Here, we have listed the two primary types of sunscreen:
1. Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which create a layer on the skin's surface and physically restrict UV rays from reaching the skin. Acting like a shield to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, these sunscreens are also known as natural or physical sunscreens. Also, mineral sunscreen can be easily added to your daily skincare regime, and you can comfortably layer these on top of your other skincare products. Make sure you apply mineral sunscreen 15–20 minutes before stepping outside in the sun, as these types of sunscreen need to be properly absorbed by the skin to be effective.
2. Chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens don't restrict UV rays like mineral sunscreen, instead, they absorb it. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene that absorb UV light. Once absorbed, these ingredients trigger a chemical reaction, converting the UV rays into heat that dissipates from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are considered somewhat lighter in texture as compared to mineral sunscreen.
Which type of sunscreen is best for your skin type?
Let’s find out how to choose sunscreen for different skin types
1. Sunscreen for oily skin
Looking for UVA and UVB sunscreen for oily skin? You need chemical sunscreen as these types of sunscreens tend to be drier than mineral ones.For best results, go for water-based sunscreen for oily skin instead of oil-based creams.
2. Sunscreen for dry skin
If you have dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Go for a sunscreen that provides sun protection along with moisturization ( moisturizer+SPF formula) to get protected, plumped skin.
3. Sunscreen for acne-prone Skin
If you're seeking a perfect sunscreen for acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreen is what you should go for. Made with ingredients like Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, it prevents clogging of pores and boasts anti-inflammatory properties. So, you can safely use mineral sunscreen without any worry.
3. Sunscreen for sensitive skin
If you're the one with sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen would be better for you as compared to chemical sunscreen. Why? Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. While the heat generated is generally minimal, sensitive skin, being more reactive, can be more prone to irritation, redness, and discomfort. Hence, opting for a physical sunscreen is more advisable for people with sensitive skin.
4. Sunscreen for combination skin
People with combination skin, i.e., an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, can derive benefits from both chemical and mineral ingredients. Hence, choosing a lightweight gel-based would be a great idea as it would be able to both tackle oily T-zone and nourish dry areas as well.
5. Sunscreen for normal skin
There are no strict considerations about what kind of sunscreen would be best for a normal skin type. Those with normal skin can benefit from any premium range mineral sunscreen.
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Application of sunscreen
Even if you have chosen a corrected sunscreen for your skin type with broad spectrum and high SPF, it won't be enough to provide you a guaranteed protection. Why? Because application plays a major role here, if you don't apply sunscreen properly, it won't give you the desired results.Thus, knowing how to apply sunscreen is the key.
If you've got oily skin and you're using a chemical sunscreen (the kind that soaks in), putting it on before your light gel moisturizer is a good idea. But if your skin is normal, or if you're dealing with acne or sensitivity and you're using a mineral sunscreen (the kind that sits on top), try putting on a moisturizer with Vitamin E first. Since mineral sunscreen works by making a shield on your skin, having a little something underneath can help it go on smoother.
Make sure you always do a patch test whenever trying a new sunscreen. And remember, everyone's skin is different, so play around and see what feels best for you!