Summer is around the corner and there is nothing more relaxing and tempting than enjoying a summer picnic. So you must have penciled some beach trips on your calendar. Beyond a giant umbrella, flip-flops and sunglasses make sure you have put aside space for Sunscreen in your bag. Whether you are vacating on a beach or going out in the city, protect your Skin from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, skin burns and visible signs of ageing. So, choose a sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. 

In this article:

• Why should you wear Sunscreen?
  
• Consider Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
• Look for active ingredients
• Consider your level of exposure

Why should you wear Sunscreen?

Sunscreen acts as a shield to your skin from dangerous UV rays. Exposure to UV rays leads to nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Thick fine lines, wrinkles, premature aging of skin, discoloration and 90% of visible skin aging is due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. Implement some safety practices in your daily life that are important for skin health. Use sunscreen, wear full sleeve cloths, and wear hats and sunglasses.

Consider broad-spectrum sunscreen:

A broad spectrum is important; According to FDA it protects skin from both UVA (causes wrinkles) and UVB (causes skin cancers and skin burns) rays. SPF protects skin from UVB rays, sun rays that damage skin’s DNA. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin causing pigmentation and wrinkles. So, instead of looking at big SPF, buy a sunscreen of at least SPF 15-30 and labeled with a broad spectrum.

Look for Active Ingredients:

The most important thing in sunscreen is its active ingredients. Sunscreen is classified in two groups: Chemical and mineral creams.

Mineral Sunscreen: These creams are composed of zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These are physical blockers, which not allow UV rays to enter skin and scatter these rays like mirrors.

Look for a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium oxide. Zinc oxide is not absorbed in the body and gives the best broad-spectrum protection. Zinc and titanium are physical blockers and are perfect for sensitive skin.

Chemical Sunscreen: This sunscreen contains ingredients such as octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, and homosalate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, they absorbs UV rays and convert them into heat energy. These sunscreens has lighter stability, they are preferred for oily skin.

Avoid sunscreens that are labeled as retinyl palmitate (vitamin A). It increases the rate of skin tumors.

Pay attention to your skin type: Choosing sunscreen according to your skin type is very important.

• Sensitive skin: Choose mild sunscreen that contains titanium and zinc oxide. Avoid sunscreen with alcohol, oxypezone, paraben ingredients, they can cause skin irritation and skin rashes.
• Acne prone skin: Choose sunscreen very carefully if your skin is acne prone. Sunscreen composition is important because wrong one can clog pores. You can go for spray based lotion, gel lotion that is fragrance and alcohol free. Moreover, it is important to opt a formula that is oil free and non greasy. Acne prone skin should choose sunscreen with water based and lightweight formula, which cause less irritation.
• Dry skin: You should opt for sunscreen that offers sufficient moisture to skin. Choose moisturizing lotion with high SPF. Sunscreen that is formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, honey and ceramides are perfect for dry skin.
• Oily skin: For oily skin you can go with mattifying and lightweight formula. It will easily merge and do not clog pores. Choose matte finish sunscreen if your skin is extremely oily.

Sunscreen with blue light filter: Nowadays prolonged usage of mobiles, desktops, laptops results in blue light exposure, leads to pigmentation, wrinkles and skin ageing. So while choosing sunscreen pay attention for blue line filters too.

Consider your level of Sun exposure: While choosing sunscreen always keeps in mind, your level of sun exposure. For example, how strong sun is when you outside, what activities you will perform and for how long you will get exposed. However, sun strength is measured on UV index that ranges from 1-11+ (low – extreme)

Go for Water Resistant Sunscreen: If you are going for swimming or playing some outdoor sports. Choose water resistant or sweat resistant sun blocks. Water resistant sunscreens last for 60- 80 minutes. Reapply this sunscreen after every 2 hours.

So, you can choose your sunscreen based on your sun exposure levels.

 What’s the best sunscreen? Spray, lotion, gel or stick: Sunscreen comes in spray, gel, stick and lotion, it’s your personal wish what you want. Sunscreen is effective if you use it in a right way. Apply sunscreen on your exposed area and reapply it after every 2 hours. If you are using spray sunscreen, spray on your hands and then apply.

Important Points to remember: Before choosing a sunscreen, keep these things in mind

• Apply sunscreen daily.
• You cannot protect yourself with car windows and umbrella.
• Always wear sunscreen, no matter what the weather is.
• Take care of your skin type.
• Choosing a best and perfect sunscreen at once is little bit tough. But, with these simple tips you can choose perfect sunscreen for your skin.

FAQs

Q. Why sunscreen is important in skin care?
Ans. Sunscreen is one of the most important components of skin care. It is very important for the protection of your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun because it damages skin cells that can lead to cancer. Not only damaging your skin, it will also affect your skin quality and give you wrinkles. In addition, it can also affect your eyes which may cause cataract and blindness. So, you should use sunscreen every time you go outside and always use the right amount.

Q. Can sunscreen reverse wrinkles?
Ans. The short answer is no. Even if you could use sunscreen every day for the rest of your life, the only way it would have any effect on wrinkles is if it prevented them from forming. Sunscreen, for the most part, exists to protect your skin from ultraviolet light, not to protect it from the aging or photoaging processes, no matter what some companies may claim.