Select the Appropriate Sunscreen:- To select an effective sunscreen, it’s important to take several factors into consideration, including your activities, skin type and time of day. Also keep an eye out for potential irritants in your chosen formula such as fragrances, oils or extracts as these could aggravate sunburns further. We all know the sun can be unforgiving!
Although UV exposure’s negative impacts are most noticeable during peak daylight hours, those with darker skin tones must protect themselves all day long from UV rays by investing in an effective sunscreen product to combat prolonged sun exposure. When making this choice it is especially essential that a variety of effective options be considered before choosing one that will meet all their needs.
This blog post will offer insights and guidance into what factors should be taken into consideration before purchasing sunscreen and provide helpful guidance in making an appropriate selection for yourself and your needs.
Choose Best Sunscreen
1) What To Look For When Buying A Sunscreen
Before buying sunscreen, the most crucial consideration should be finding one suitable to both your skin type and outdoor activities. SPF value plays a large role in providing adequate UV protection; but also pay attention to any additional features provided by specific sunscreen brands.
2) SPF: The Basics
Sun Protection Factor Basics SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a rating system which measures how long it would take without sunscreen for one’s skin to turn red (known as the ‘burn time’) before turning red without protection compared to how long it takes with SPF products applied on.
The numbers on a sunscreen bottle indicate how long its UVB protection will last; an SPF 15 product would allow you to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without getting burnt than without. So, for example, if without SPF protection you would get sunburn in 30 minutes without sunscreen, using an SPF 15 product would allow you to go 4 hours before being sunburnt again.
3) UVA Protection: What Does It Mean?
UVB rays may cause sunburns, while UVA rays play an integral part in premature aging and skin damage. While all sunscreen products protect against UVB rays, not all provide adequate UVA protection. A simple way to determine this level is by looking out for words “broad spectrum” on its label – this indicates it offers both UVA and UVB ray protection whereas otherwise only provides one form.
4) Important Ingredients To Look For
Active ingredients in sunscreens play an integral part in providing adequate UV protection, with five actives approved by the FDA for use: zinc oxide (a physical blocker which sits on top of skin surface to reflect UV rays); titanium dioxide (another physical blocker); and benzophenone-3.
Helioplex, Mexoryl and Avobenzone are three chemical blockers used to reduce UV rays; Helioplex works by releasing a substance which effectively blocks them; Mexoryl uses derivatives derived from UV-reducing properties found in cacti; while Avobenzone uses derivatives derived from Squalene molecules to block their UV radiation properties.
When reviewing a sunscreen’s active ingredients, it’s essential to pay close attention to their percentages. According to FDA recommendations, sunscreens should contain at least SPF 30 protection and block both UVA and UVB rays.
5) Use Sunscreen?
Apply Sunscreen Sunscreen should not just be reserved for beach vacationers. In fact, up to 80% of sun damage occurs indoors – making daily sunscreen use vital regardless of time of year or sun exposure.
Although it may not seem so, the sun shines year round and its rays can still cause significant damage even on cloudy days. Sunscreen can provide protection from both UV rays as well as heat and infrared radiation rays.
6) Apply Sunscreen The Right Way?
Applying sunscreen incorrectly can reduce its efficacy, so it is crucial to follow FDA recommendations when applying it. When using sunscreen: apply 30 minutes prior to going outside; and don’t apply more than three applications during a single outdoor excursion.
Make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body. Reapply every two hours, after swimming or sweating. Avoid applying directly to eye areas. Also try not to layer it up with other moisturizers (e.g. makeup).
Also Refer:- 9 Amazing Benefits Of Cucumber For Your Skin
Conclusion
Sunscreen is essential for protecting skin against harmful UV rays, but not all sunscreen products are created equal; selecting a product tailored specifically for you is imperative. With so many choices out there, selecting an optimal UV protection sunscreen product for yourself may seem overwhelming; keep this in mind as you shop! The goal should be selecting one which provides maximum sun protection with minimum side-effects tailored specifically for your activities and skin type.