Sunscreen is one of the most widely coveted and discussed skin care topic. In a country like India and even outside when global warming is increasing day by day, using sunscreens is not a luxury but a necessity. But many people are not even aware of this. They think that using a sunscreen is optional and thus many of us ignore it.
But that’s not entirely true. If you don’t believe then have a look at a holistic analysis of sunscreens. This will answer and clear all your misconceptions about the sunscreens. So, beauties read along –
1. What is SPF?
Do you know what is the full form of SPF?? Well it stands for sun protection factor. Now, let find out how it works.
If you burn in sun after 10 minutes of sun exposure, and let’s suppose you are using SPF 30, then the sunscreen will give you 300 minutes of sun protection.
Sunscreens – VLCC Sweat free Sunblock lotion, Chicago Sun Spray SPF 25 MB.
2. What’s the highest SPF which is safe to be used?
All of us have a misconception that higher the SPF more is the sun protection. Sunscreens are meant for UVB and UVA rays. SPF 15 offers 93% of sun protection whereas SPF 30 offers 97% of sun protection and SPF 50 98%. And anything above SPF 50 doesn’t add any added protection to your skin. so, the maximum amount of SPF which is best for your skin is SPF 50.
Sunscreens – Lakme 9-5 Mattifying Super Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++, lakme Sun expert fair sunscreen lotion SPF 30 PA++
3. SUNBLOCK vs. SUNSCREEN
Sunblock is like a physical barrier to your skin usually with titanium and zinc particles to block or reflect UV rays.
But when comes to sunscreen it is like a lotion which protects your skin.
So, you can use both of them interchangeably. The choice depends on your comfort level.
Sunscreens – Lotus Herbals safe sun 3 in 1 Matte look daily Sunblock SPF 50, Neutrogena ultra sheer dry touch Sunblock SPF 50.
4. Long term effects of sunscreens
Research has pointed out that usage of sunscreen reduces carcinoma. And regular use of sunscreen delays appearance of wrinkles on skin. So, it is proved that sunscreens delays ageing process and thus keep you looking younger.
Sunscreens – L’Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise UV perfect SPF 50, Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying face fluid dry touch SPF 50.
5. Ingredients in sunscreens
Para Aminobenzoic acid based sunscreens and products containing benzophenones is responsible for causing skin irritation which further causes pimples and wrinkles.
Sunscreens – Nivea Sun moisturising immediate Sun protection SPF 50 PA+++, Biotique Bio Vera aloe vera face and body sun lotion SPF 75.
6. Correct way of application
American Academy of Dermatology has advised that sunscreen should be applied before 15 minutes of stepping out. Sunscreen should be applied on all the areas exposed or not covered by your cloth. Also, don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen after every 2 hours.
Sunscreens – Shahnaz Hussain Nano Sunscreens gel SPF 40, VLCC Matte Look sunscreen lotion SPF 30 with Pineapple extracts.
