It is summer, and you may need Sunscreen more than anything. If you spend time outside, the chances are that you may have heard about how essential it is to wear sunscreen before you step out.

While wearing sunscreen is better than not wearing any, if you choose, it is best to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection of at least SPF 30. These recommendations also apply to people with all skin tones. Ideally, it is also essential to apply sunscreen to your skin for at least thirty minutes before going out into the sun.

How do SPF matters?

SPF also means sun protective factor in sunscreen helps block your skin from sun radiation. The sun emits two kinds of radiation: UVB and UVA rays. While UVB rays are more carcinogenic and often responsible for sunburns, UVA rays contribute to the signs of aging in the skin. These include sagging and wrinkles. In addition, UVA rays make UVB rays more reactive, so if they both combine, it could be deadly for a human.

When you go out, you are exposed to harmful radiations from the sun virtually anytime you are near a window or outside where it is sunshine. The radiation affects your skin even when you are not prone to sunburns.

SPF works by extending your skin’s natural defenses against the sun’s rays. For example, an SPF 15 will provide about 15 times more protection than just your normal skin without sunscreen. In the same way, an SPF 50 would provide 50 times more protection than the skin without sunscreen.

If you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, it means that it is the kind of sunscreen that will block out both UVB and UVA rays.

How to choose the best sunscreen?

If there’s low sun exposure, makeup or moisturizer with a base of SPF 15 is sufficient. However, you may want to consider your outdoor activity in other situations. It helps to determine what type of sunscreen you must use. There are different types of sunscreen you can choose; these are below:

Water-resistant sunscreen

Water-resistant sunscreen offers good protection for water activities. However, it may not be appropriate if you play a sport that will lead SPF to drip into your eyes. It is also essential to note that no sunscreen is truly waterproof.

Spray sunscreen

It is the type of sunscreen which is quite popular, especially among parents of running and wiggling children. However, spraying sunscreen has become a concern for some experts. They recommend that parents choose a cream-based sunscreen first, not spray. Spray sunscreen may also help release harmful chemicals that your child can breathe in.

Broad-spectrum

Broad-spectrum sunscreen means the sunscreen blocks against both UVB and UVA rays. It is an excellent way always to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

All-natural sunscreen

Most mineral-based sunscreens do not work well compared to the chemical sunscreens with active ingredients. Sunscreens labeled as ‘natural’ are typically mineral-based. If you are searching for all-natural sunscreen, choosing a sunscreen based on coconut or olive oil can help provide the most protection. Both coconut and olive oil possesses natural SPF protection. In addition, sunscreens that use them as a base have a natural SPF foundation.

High vs. low SPF

According to consumer reports, many sunscreens do not work as advertised, so you must be careful while choosing a very low SPF. There is no more protection after SPF 50, but there are chances that a bottle that says SPF 50 comes with less SPF. If you have any doubt, you can always go to 50.

Sunscreen for toddlers and babies

You must avoid the use of sunscreen on babies under six months old. It doesn’t imply that they are not at risk of damage from the sun. Sunscreen can be potentially harmful to young babies because they may be at a greater risk of side effects from chemicals present in the sunscreen. It is best to keep babies under six months old in the shade and dress them in protective clothing to help prevent sun exposure.

When you choose sunscreen for your baby, try to choose one of at least SPF 30. Most baby sunscreens are SPF 50. You do not need to use baby-specific sunscreen, but most baby sunscreens contain special ingredients. This help prevents the baby’s delicate skin from getting irritated or breaking out with the sunscreen.