How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for your Skin

Protecting your skin with sunscreen is very important, either you are a the beach or roaming outside for work, it is key to protect your skin with the right sunscreen. Repeated UV ray exposure can cause lots of physical issues such as sunburn, skin damage, wrinkles, etc. It can also lead to an increase in the risk of skin cancer.Whilst avoiding the sun is not always possible, wearing sunscreen is. However, not all sunscreens are made equal. So, you must pick the right product. This is why we have made this guide for you. How Does Sunscreen Work?Sunscreen primarily works by blocking and absorbing UV rays. This is done win the use of chemical and physical particles.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for You

●SPF (Sun Protection Factor)This is a measure of how much UV light the sunscreen can absorb and block. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and more is suitable in helping to protect against daily exposure to UV taus. Sunscreen with SPF of 30 and above is recommended by dermatologists as it helps block more UV rays (97%) than a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. (93%) Make sure you apply enough sunscreen to body parts daily. This is particularly key on days when you are going to spend long hours outdoors.

●Active Ingredients Check the active ingredients in the sunscreen. Try and get a sunscreen with formulas that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.Avoid sunscreens with retinyl palmitate. Retinyl palmitate, or Vitamin A,has been linked with an increase in the rate of skin tumors.

●Broad Spectrum SPFIt is best to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and SPF 30 to 50. It helps protect your skin better, and also better helps prevent UV radiation.On the other hand, going for products with SPF over 50 is just a waste of money. They don’t offer any extra protection and are downright costly.

●Skin ColorYour skin color generally determines the SPF number for the sunscreen you should wear. A fair-skinned person that usually burns should go for SPF 30 or higher, whilst a medium to a dark-skinned person should go for SPF 15.

●Sunscreen Formulation- There are three general sunscreen formulations, and they are suited to different types of skins. They also have different feels and looks. They are

1.Sprays -These are a popular type of sunscreen formulation. Perfect for applying sunscreen to hard-to-reach places on your body, they are an excellent option if you’re going out alone and won’t have anyone to help you apply sunscreen, or if you have a significant amount of body hair.

2.Lotions-Probably more common than sprays. They also offer a lot of moisturization. They are available in different variations for different skin types and sensitivities.

3.Sticks-Very portable and convenient. They are less messy than the first two and are good for traveling.

●Level Of Sun Exposure -This is another crucial one. Consider how long you’ll be in the sun, and at what times. UV rays are strongest around mid-morning to late afternoon, so you might want to take note of that. Also, the strength of the sun is measured via the Ultraviolet (UV) Index, ranked from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme). If the UV rays are at 8 or above, unprotected skin can burn in 15 minutes or less. The following are our recommendations based on sun exposure levels;Regular Days: wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Outdoors: go with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period. Sports/swimming: go with a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply the sunscreen every hour. Which Sunscreen Is Best For Sensitive Or Acne-Prone Skin?Non-comedogenic sunscreens. These sunscreens do not have ingredients that block your skin pores like the majority ofsunscreens. Other Ways To Protect Your Skin From The Sun

●When you go out, ensure you reduce the direct exposure of your skin to the sun.

●Use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun.

Bottom Line: Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from the adverse effects of the UV rays of the sun. Choosing the best sunscreen usually depends on several factors, including SPF number, level of sun exposure, active ingredients that are present in the sunscreen, etc.Picking the right sunscreen for you will help protect your skin properly and ensure you can enjoy your days in the sun without suffering from the effects of its UV rays.