How To Pick The Right Sunscreen?

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Picking the right sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin. The sunscreen you choose should help you with your needs. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin — sunscreen works differently on each of them. Even if you are indoors or outdoors, wearing your sunscreen is crucial. There are literally hundreds of options to choose from. So we are here to answer your most asked question ‘How to pick the right sunscreen?’

Some sunscreens might leave a white cast on you but not on someone else. This might be because you have a different skin type. Hundreds of sunscreens are available in the market with different ingredients, formulations, and effectiveness. Sunscreen helps in reducing the risk of skin cancer and prevent premature ageing. The benefits of wearing sunscreen every day is a massive list.

How To Pick The Right Sunscreen For Face?

You must be surprised to know that there are different sunscreens for both face and body. It’s an important tool to fight against sunburn, cancer, premature ageing, and more. One should always go for a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide on how to pick the right sunscreen.

1. Look For A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

While picking a sunscreen, you should check the label for broad-spectrum protection. Your sunscreen should protect from both harmful UVA and UVB rays. Both these harmful rays damage your skin’s health and increase the risk of skin cancer. When you check the label of the sunscreen you want to pick, take a look to see if it’s a broad-spectrum one.

2. Go For 30 SPF Or Higher

In simple words, SPF is nothing but a Sun Protection Factor. You must have come across different numbers of SPF. It basically protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When you’re looking for a sunscreen there will be multiple options available. This might be SPF 15, SPF 30, and more. When choosing a sunscreen go for SPF 30 or higher than that. The higher the SPF you choose, the more protection your skin will get from harmful rays.

3. Check For The Quality Ingredients

Choosing a sunscreen with high-quality ingredients is important too. This is because the protection and effectiveness of the sunscreen on your skin also depend upon the ingredients. There are two types of sunscreen available — mineral and chemical. Both of these sunscreen options are completely different. Mineral or physical sunscreen is made of natural ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Ideally, you want a sunscreen with non-nano Zinc Oxide, as a particle size that is too small can disrupt endocrine functions.

Chemical sunscreen on the other hand contains octinoxate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone. If you want to choose an environmentally friendly sunscreen then physical will be the best pick for you. Physical sunscreen just creates a thin protective barrier on your skin and protects you from harmful rays while not damaging marine life.

4. Prefer Water-Resistant Sunscreen

A lot of dermatologists prefer to use water-resistant sunscreen. If you are going for a swim or sweat a lot, then water-resistant sunscreen will not wash off your face and body. In addition, water-resistant sunscreens last longer compared to other sunscreens.

5. Pick A Sunscreen Based On Your Skin Type

Everyone has a different skin type. You might have oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, dry, or combination skin. Sunscreens work differently on all. Every skin type needs a sunscreen that suits it the best. We will discuss most of the skin types further.

How To Choose Sunscreen For Oily Skin?

If you have oily skin, then water-resistant sunscreen is your best pick. Oily skin also has issues of clogged pores or acne. You should look for a sunscreen that is labelled oil-free. If you go for the right pick, then you won’t have more breakouts or clogged pores.

For oily skin, you can even opt for a matte finish sunscreen so when you apply it, your skin doesn’t look greasy. In addition, you can even go for a lightweight sunscreen with natural ingredients like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. Natural ingredients in your sunscreen will prevent breakouts and provide maximum protection.

How To Choose Sunscreen For Dry Skin?

We understand if you have dry skin and your sunscreen doesn’t look good on you. The perfect sunscreen for dry skin is a hydrating and moisturising one. When you look at the back of the sunscreen and you find ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, you can go for it. Moisturising sunscreen will deal with your flaky skin and provide a smooth look. Even if you have normal skin, you can go for a moisturising sunscreen.

How To Choose Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin?

If you have sensitive skin and it breaks out when you use chemical products, then mineral sunscreen is your best bet. Physical sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin. It will be gentle on your skin. Physical sunscreen has ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that will not irritate your skin.

Zinc Oxide is also present in baby lotions and is suitable for the skin of children too. When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin, also avoid fragrance sunscreen to prevent irritation.

Conclusion

Lastly, pick the sunscreen that works best for your skin. Go for the ingredients you would prefer to use on your face and body. Sunscreen that suits your skin type will do wonders. It will not only protect your skin from harmful rays but make it look glowy and healthy.

If you have more concerns regarding your skin type then refer to a dermatologist. Before applying a new sunscreen on your face do a patch test to rule out allergies and irritation. Feel free to drop any queries you have in the comment box. We will keep coming up with more content like this!

FAQ’s

1. How To Choose Sunscreen For Combination Skin?

If you have a combination skin then go for oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreen for less breakouts and irritation.

2. What Is The 3 Finger Rule Sunscreen?

The 3 finger rule of sunscreen is for better and sufficient application. Take the sunscreen for the full length of your 3 fingers and apply it on your face.