Wearing sunscreen is one of the best and simplest ways to protect the health and beauty of your skin at any age. Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and early aging. Dermatologists emphasize that the best way to protect your skin is to pick a sunscreen that is tailored to the needs of your skin. In this blog, we will see how to choose the right sunscreen according to your skin type.
Why Choosing the Accurate Sunscreen for Your Skin Type is Important?
UV and visible light rays are filtered out of the skin by sunscreen (the light that human eyes cannot see). Insufficient sun protection combined with prolonged exposure to light increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 lowers the risk of melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by 40%.
According to dermatologist Scott Paviol, M.D., wearing sunscreen should be an intentional choice rather than something that is made carelessly at the grocery store or gas station.
The best sunscreen for your skin type must be chosen in order to prevent skin irritation.
Additionally, it makes you more likely to apply sunscreen consistently. This decreases the likelihood of cancer and early aging in your skin.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for You
The following things should be taken into account when buying sunscreen:
1- Consider Your Skin Type
It’s a very frequent question to ask how to pick sunscreen for your skin type.
For Dry Skin
Examine your skin type before selecting a sunscreen. You don’t do well in the sun if you have dry skin, right? After that, you require a sunscreen that also functions as a moisturiser.
For Oily Skin
A sunscreen gel is recommended for oily skin because it will be water-based rather than oil-based, which is best if you have oily, acne-prone skin.
For Sensitive and Acne Prone Skin
If your skin is delicate and prone to irritation, stay away from products that contain oxybenzone, alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances.
For Darker Tone
If you have darker skin, you might think you don’t need sunscreen because you tan easily and rarely get burned.
However, just like a sunburn, a tan is caused by DNA damage brought on by exposure to the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
So, whether you have lighter skin or darker skin, sunscreen is advised for everyone.
For Males and Children’s Skin
Male skin differs from female skin and needs a different kind of care and sun protection, according to the expert’s recommendations. Make a dermatologist appointment to determine the best sunscreen for you.
At least 50 SPF is recommended for children’s sunscreen, but you should aim for 70 SPF or higher.
Pick children’s sunscreens instead of adult sunscreens because adult sunscreens can irritate their delicate skin.
Given that their skin is more delicate and thin, babies need even more robust sun protection.
2- Broad Spectrum
Dermatologists emphasise the significance of selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVB and UVA rays.
Skin cancer and skin rashes are two effects of UVB rays. UVA can also results in photoaging, or early skin aging, and then cancer.
3- SPF 30 or Higher
According to dermatologist and medical director of the Miami Cancer Institute’s Skin Cancer and Pigmented Lesions Clinic Naiara Braghiroli, M.D., sunscreen loses some of its effectiveness after being applied to the skin.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a sunscreen’s Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating tells you how long skin can be exposed to the sun without protection before the UV rays start to turn it red. An SPF 30 will, for example, only block 3% of UVB rays from reaching your skin..
According to Dr. Braghiroli, protection of less than SPF 30 is insufficient. If you’re going to be outdoors for a long time, like at the beach or while playing sports, she advises using SPF 50 or higher. Experts recommend applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
4- Water-resistant
Water-repellent sunscreen continues to protect you even when you swim or perspire. Some sunscreens are particularly water resistant, which extends their shelf life.
It’s important to purchase these sunscreens which have a label of water resistant.
5- Mineral vs. Chemical
Natural materials, usually zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, are used to make mineral or physical sunscreen.
Your skin is protected from the sun’s UV rays by these sunscreens, which function as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun..
Prior to reflecting UV light back, chemical sunscreens, typically made with avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, absorb into your skin and may even enter your bloodstream, per some studies.
Mineral sunscreen, according to experts, is more durable and lasts longer on the skin for people who engage in outdoor activities or spend a lot of time in the sun.
6. Sunscreen as a Spray, Lotion, or Gel
You can use a spray, lotion, stick, or gel; it all depends on your personal preferences.
The most important factors are how much and how you use it.
Furthermore, it’s advised to spray sunscreen onto your hands before applying it to your face if you’re using a spray.
Ending Notes
With so many products available, choosing the best sunscreen for your skin and avoiding common errors can be confusing, but with these guidelines, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
The most difficult skin types to protect from the sun are those with sensitive or oily skin. Frequent sun exposure can harm your skin, so it’s important to read the ingredients for the best possible defense.
Sunscreen is a crucial component of a skincare routine that should also include finding shade, avoiding UV exposure, and donning protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
By educating yourself, you can confidently select sunscreen that will suit your specific needs, offer the best protection from the sun’s harmful rays, and promote regular use. For further queries, you may take an appointment from the top skin specialist.