Irrespective of the seasons or time of the year, spending long hours outdoors in the sun can damage your skin. A sensitive thing, the human face! The lack of sun on a cloudy day may protect you against sun tanning but UV rays and UVB rays are still the troublemakers . Remember when our mothers lathered us with sunscreen on our way to school? Time to bring that back!
In recent years, I have had my dermatologist suggest that I wear sunscreen even when I am at home. Although I was surprised at first, it has given me unexpected results and now I swear by them as a part of my daily skincare routine. My face has a noticeable youthful glow. Sunscreens not only offer protection against sun burns, UV rays and UVB rays but also, against wrinkles and fine lines. However, not all sunscreens are built the same.
I shop for my favourite on Woovly. They offer a variety of made-in-India, natural and organic brands to choose from! Here’s how I choose the best sunscreen:
1. CHOOSE A SUNSCREEN WITH THE RIGHT SPF (Sun protection Factor)
Yes, SPF matters. According to my dermatologist, the best sunscreens are those with SPF 30 or higher. It blocks about 97 percent of UV rays.
On a sunless day, it is okay to wear a light sunscreen of SPF 15. Moreover, I prefer sunscreens which also follow a PA system, ranging from ‘+’ to ‘++++’ to provide protection against UVA rays.
2. REMEMBER TO REAPPLY
If you are going to spend long hours outside, it is advisable to reapply your sunscreen. There is only so much that a single layer of sunscreen can do through the day. I would especially recommend it to those who swim or jog regularly.
When it is too hot and humid, I go for a cooling sun protection sunscreen like Oriental Botanics Aloe vera, Cucumber and Green Tea sunscreen. It evenly coats my skin without making it greasy or dry.
If a gel or lotion is too much then you can also go for a sunscreen spray for its convenience. I recommend Mom & World Kid Mineral Based Kids sunscreen spray with SPF 50. It has fruity extracts that aren’t too harsh on skin.
3. TO CHOOSE/NOT TO CHOOSE
With so many options available in the market, it gets extremely confusing to choose the right one.
There are two types of sunscreens- organic and inorganic. The choice is yours to make to find the best sunscreen out of the two.
There isn’t much of a difference except inorganic sunscreens are those with minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in them and organic sunscreens are those without them.
I typically use inorganic sunscreens with mostly natural ingredients and a minimum of 10 percent zinc oxide.
Mom & World Mineral Based Kids sunscreen comes with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For sweatier days, Ustraa Sports Sunscreen with SPF 50 is a good option to use that comes with zinc oxide.
4. CHOOSE ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE
The choice between lotion, spray or gel matters the least as long as the sunscreen suits your skin well.
If you are fair-skinned and get sunburnt easily, always go for sunscreens with SPF 30 and higher for regular use.
If you are dark skinned, keep a minimum of SPF 15 while choosing one.
If you are prone to acne like me, go for sunscreens that are non-comedogenic (that is, they don’t block pores). Be Bodywise Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is a good non-comedogenic option that also contains Titanium Dioxide.
For dry skinned individuals, go for moisturising or hydrating sunscreen. I would advise you to go for a moisturising sunscreen lotion like The Beauty Co. Sunscreen lotion or Greenberry Organics SPF 40+ day and night lotion.
I love Woovly’s range of sunscreens that cater to all skin-types. You can find ones that lighten your skin!
Choosing the right sunscreen depends on several factors but the best sunscreen is the one that suits your skin perfectly while being affordable. Wondering how to add it to your makeup routine? Slather a layer of moisturiser (if using), sunscreen and then apply your makeup.
With the right and regular use, you will notice your facial skin look healthier in no time.
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