As the environment becomes chaotic, it is important to pay utmost attention to one’s skin. Many products can help in the same, but one of the most trusted products is sunscreen. There are a lot of varieties available these days, to explore and choose from. Be it varying flavours, sunscreen for oily skin, or ones with different textures and features, all have specifications and an audience admiring them for their benefits.
The high exposure these days to harmful UV rays and pollution has led to a serious rise in skin cancers. People being aware of the same are now on their toes to prevent the same and sunscreens lend a helping hand to them. Offering a broad spectrum of protection from various external factors that can harm and damage the skin, sunscreen makes the outdoor experience more enhanced and safe. The expanding popularity of wellness and fitness industries has all catered to the growing demands for products such as sunscreens.
Benefits of sunscreen
There are a range of benefits being offered by sunscreens, helping individuals to protect their skin from severe damage, and preventing any hazards. No wonder, sunscreens are so high in demand these days.
- Sunscreens as these are most famously popular, prevent skin cancer by appropriately protecting against the harmful UV rays. These are absolutely worth considering while stepping out in the sun, in order to prevent the harmful rays from penetrating deep into the skin, which may otherwise cause cancer.
- In fact, by regularly applying sunscreen, premature ageing can also be prevented, as the skin is adequately protected from wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc., a serious nightmare indeed! Protecting from free radicals, sunscreen helps in keeping the skin younger for longer.
- Sunburns often cause chronic skin damage. However, applying sunscreen can prevent and eventually lower the skin from many potential damages.
- Healthy healing of skin treatments, prevention of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and protection against sensitivity and photosensitivity reactions, are all advantages one can get from sunscreens.
Do’s and don’ts to consider for sunscreens
For effectively applying sunscreen and gaining all its benefits, it is first and foremost important to understand what things should be done during its application, and what is to be avoided.
Do’s
- Reapplying every 2-3 hours is important, and one should not miss the application of sunscreen even if there are cloudy days or pleasant weather.
- Moreover, the application of sunscreen should be done 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. This is very important so that the sunscreen absorbs and settles well in the skin before meeting any external factors that may damage the skin.
- Covering all exposed areas is important, as one should not only focus on the face and neck.
- Opting for water-resistant formulas for sunscreen is great to consider, as these can be ideal for people who are swimming or rigorously sweating.
- Storing sunscreen properly is also important as storing it in high temperatures can degrade essential ingredients in them. One should check expiration and manufacturing dates to ensure these are great to use.
Don’ts
- Relying solely on makeup products or moisturisers that contain SPF is not a good idea. It is important to use sunscreens always and ensure that skin remains protected from damage or any hazards.
- Even if one is indoors or driving, it is important to not miss applying sunscreens on the exposed area. Making it an essential part of one’s skincare routine can give the best results.
- Rubbing too much sunscreen can affect the evenness of the same. It is advised to let it absorb naturally, to prevent any caking effect, and let the sunscreen create an effective barrier on the skin.
- Using one product for both face and body should be avoided. There are different ingredients needed for the face and for the rest of the body. Choosing sunscreens accordingly is essential.
- Mixing sunscreens with other products should not be considered at all, as this can prevent the sunscreen from effectively shielding the skin from external damage and factors.
- Leftover sunscreens or expired products should not be used, as these may cause server itchiness or allergic reactions to the skin, instead of protecting the same.
- Even if one is on shorter duration outdoors, avoiding sunscreen is never a thought worth considering. Applying it regularly is important.
- Relying solely on sunscreens also won’t help, as UV rays and extreme heat find a way to skin damage. Pairing sunscreens with hats, sunglasses, socks, etc. can give effective results.
Tips to choose the best sunscreens
Choosing the best sunscreens requires careful consideration of several effective tips and things. These can help in choosing the most suited and best sunscreens.
- Choosing a sunscreen that comes with broad spectrum protection is important, as this helps focus not only on one aspect but on preventing various hazards and damages that may be caused to the skin.
- One should opt for SPF 30 or higher, to block UV rays from penetrating deep into the skin. A dermatologist also recommends SPF 30 for regular use, while one with 50 or higher for extended outdoor durations in the sun.
- Considering skin type is also essential in choosing a suitable sunscreen. Be it oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin, sunscreens are available for all skin types. Accordingly one can opt for gel sunscreens, cream-based ones, or less irritating and gentler ones.
- Checking the ingredients, especially if one has sensitive skin is very important to consider while buying sunscreens. Certain chemicals or fragrances can be avoided to prevent any irritation or rashness.
- Moreover, one can look for sunscreens that come with additional benefits such as hydration properties, antioxidants, or tinted coverage.
- Patch testing before is very crucial, to test if the sunscreen is fit and suitable to be applied on the skin.
Bottom line
Be it choosing an everyday basis sunscreen for regular use or the best sunscreen for oily face, one should pay attention to the benefits, key features of the product, and the many important tips, in order to choose one that suits the requirements the most. Sunscreens, after all, are a great help, especially in today’s world where pollution and UV rays have become so common, like the breathing air. To prevent any damage and hazards, it is best to take care of one’s skin by using appropriate products beforehand!
