Sunscreens and summer, for some reason people tend to stock on these only during summer, Ideally, a sunscreen should be applied throughout the year because it is meant to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays and these rays can penetrate and pass through clouds in cloudy weather and snow during winters.  Read ahead to know more on full form of SPF, how to choose SPF and How to choose right sunscreen for self.

A sunscreen or sunblock protects your skin in two ways:

Physical and chemical.

Physical sunscreen:

it sits on the surface of the skin, you might have noticed this on players in a cricket match on the field. It reflects the sunlight.

Chemical sunscreen:

This is what we commonly come across at the beauty counters (topical) and is applied all over as a cream, however it gets evaporated quickly and reapplication is needed. It absorbs the UV light.

Have you noticed this instruction on many of the sunscreens?

Sunscreen is to be applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun, else it will evaporate before even doing its job!

How to choose SPF?

SPF is Sun protection factor, the higher it is , the more efficient it is in protecting your skin from UVA UVB rays. UVA and UVB radiations don’t get absorbed in the ozone layer and can penetrate deeper into the skin and can lead to premature aging.

Sunscreens are available in lotion, spray, gel and powder forms, also many beauty or makeup products claim of SPF presence in it-a concealer or a setting powder with SPF, however, they are not as efficient as the sunscreen in itself. And no matter how much clothing you wear, ultraviolet rays can still penetrate into the skin. This concludes that you cannot ditch the sunscreen.

And SPF > 30 or =30 is the best way to start with. Anything under that is not really doing the job of a sunscreen.

How to choose sunscreen?

It depends on two factors: your exposure to sun and your skin type. For people with oily skin, you can prefer gel-based sunscreens. Likewise, if you are more into activities like swimming or gymming you might prefer going for water and sweat resistance sunscreens.
Also, a visit to dermat to find the best-suited product for your skin is a great option. Fragrance-free, grease-free options are also available.

Layering The Product With Other Makeup Or Skin Care Routine Products:

In case of any skin treatments, one can apply them first, followed by a moisturizer or a serum and then sunscreen followed by makeup like blush, setting powder etc.

Sunscreen Do’s:

1. Wear sunscreen every day, even if indoors.
2. Choose water resistant and broad spectrum SPF
3. Apply it to all the exposed parts of your body
4. Reapply in 2hrs when out in the sun
5. Apply 20minutes before heading out in the sun

Sunscreen Don’ts:

1. Do not keep the sunscreen bottles or tubes exposed to sun or heat: car, window.
2. Do not apply sunscreen kids below the age of 6 months.
3. Do not wear sunscreens under SPF 30.

So, I hope now you know everything about How to choose SPF. Did this article help? Let us know in the comments below.