If you have been on social media, there’s no surprise you have been pestered by dermatologists, influencers, brands (guilty & proud) & your skincare-obsessed friend about the importance of sunscreens. It’s a no-brainer that protection from harmful sun rays is the key to healthy & good-looking skin. Without it, your routine is incomplete & some products will do you worse than good.
But with so many brands available in the market, each with a different variant, it’s easy to get clueless with sunscreen jargon. So, here’s a quick guide to help you shop for your dream sunscreen this summer.
What are the different types of sunscreens available in the market?
What makes a good sunscreen?
- It provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB & PA++ rays.
- SPF should be 30 or higher. Though SPF 30 protects us from 97% of rays, most of us don’t apply enough. Hence choosing an SPF 50 or higher is better.
- The sunscreen should be waterproof, so it does not wear from water or sweat.
- It should have board-approved filters to provide consistent protection.
How to select a sunscreen for your skin type?
Now that you know the basics, it is easier to understand which sunscreen your skin will love!
1. Dry Skin: Opt for a sunscreen with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. This will help prevent dryness and flakiness.
2. Oily Skin: While you can choose either physical or chemical, people with oily skin should choose water or gel-based mattifying sunscreens. We also recommend skipping moisturizer in the morning to avoid getting too oily.
3. Darker Skin: It is harder to find a physical screen for a darker screen that won’t leave a white cast. Hence go for a chemical or hybrid to avoid looking like chalk.
4. Sensitive Skin: Chemical sunscreen might aggravate and tingle your sensitive skin. Hence opt for a physical sunscreen as it doesn’t get absorbed into the skin. Avoid sunscreen with alcohol, fragrances, oxybenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), salicylates, and cinnamates.
5. Acne-prone: Just like sensitive skin, some formulas can worsen your acne. Look for a non-comedogenic formula if you are acne-prone.
6. Normal: You can choose any sunscreen that gives you broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant. Go for a formula that's most loved by your skin!
Happy Sunscreen Shopping! 🌞