The moment the mercury starts to rise, you become aware of how your skin reacts to UV light. The result? Your pimples get worse, your tanning response goes berserk and you start looking for the nearest bottle of sunblock.
But which one should you buy? There is a confusing range of sunscreens on offer these days. Do you go for the lightweight water-based lotions? Or do you prefer a heavier formula with SPF?
Are chemical or physical filters better as UV-protection agents? And what about that newish launch of mineral-based sunblocks with a high concentration of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide? Which is better: a high SPEND on sunscreen or a low COST version? So many questions…Here’s our guide to help you find the ideal sunscreen for your skin type this summer:
What is a Sunblock Cream?
A sunblock cream is a topical cream that contains chemicals that block ultraviolet rays from the sun from reaching your skin. Sunblock cream can be in the form of lotion, gel, or sprays.
Since they are applied to the surface of your skin, you don’t have to worry about ingesting chemicals like you would with a sunscreen lotion. Sunblock cream are effective at preventing UVB and UVA rays from penetrating your skin, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
People who have sensitive skin and are at an increased risk of skin cancer can benefit from using a sunscreen cream as opposed to a lotion. People who have oily skin should look for a sunscreen cream that is labeled as a “water-resistant” or “waterproof” product.
Sunscreen creams are more effective at blocking the sun than a lotion or gel. Sunscreen creams offer the best protection against the sun because they are thick and sit on your skin.
Why Should You Use a Sunblock?
You might be tempted to take a short cut by skipping sunscreen and relying on your clothing or hat to protect you from the sun. However, clothes and hats do not offer enough protection. A sunscreen cream, on the other hand, provides an extra shield against the sun.
A sunscreen is your best bet because it protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun such as sun damage, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Using a sunscreen will help to prevent damage to your skin and keep you looking young for longer.
The sun’s harmful rays are too strong for your skin to handle. With its strong rays, the sun can damage your skin and cause it to peel and flake. It can also lead to wrinkles, premature aging, and even skin cancer. A sunscreen will keep your skin safe from all these harmful effects.
What is a Sunblock and Why is it Important?
A sunblock is a product designed to reduce your skin’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light). It is the best protection against the harmful effects of the sun, including both the development of skin cancer and the worsening of pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are recommended for general use. But even that may not be enough. The problem is that people don’t apply the recommended amount of sunscreen and they don’t reapply it often enough.
One of the most important aspects of skincare is protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The sun’s UVB rays are what causes your skin to become tanned and wrinkled, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, causing premature aging, DNA damage and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to use a sunscreen regularly, even when it’s cloudy!
The Importance of Using Sunscreen
Sunscreens are one of the most important skincare products you can use, and even people who rarely go outside should use them daily. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and skin cancer and it can even affect your health, causing mood swings, depression and anxiety.
If you spend a lot of time outside, whether you’re gardening or sitting by the pool, a sunscreen with a high SPF is essential. Studies show that regular use of sunscreen reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 50%.
That’s why dermatologists around the world recommend using a daily sunscreen, even on cloudy days. In fact, UV rays can penetrate even through light clouds. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry, by using sunscreen even on a partly cloudy day.
Which SPF Should You Pick?
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and the number indicates how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen allows you to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning than if you didn’t use any protection.
The higher the number, the better the protection. There are two types of SPF: Physical, which deflects and scatters the UV rays, and chemical, which absorbs them. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting or scattering UV rays away from your skin.
These types of sunscreens are often labelled as “mineral” or “natural” sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals (such as avobenzone) that absorb UV light and turn it into energy that’s not harmful to your skin. The problem with chemical sunscreens is that they break down in the sun, so you have to reapply them often.
Lightweight Water-Based Formulas
Water-based or light sunscreen formulas offer a great alternative for those who want a lightweight formula. These are usually fragrance-free, alcohol-free and oil-free, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
The best water-based sunscreens are rich in antioxidants, as well as minerals like zinc and titanium, which protect your skin from harmful UV rays, and vitamin E, which is a natural anti-oxidant.
What’s more, many water-based formulas contain hyaluronic acid, the magical ingredient that helps your skin retain moisture. The only drawback with water-based sunscreens is that they may not offer as high an SPF as other formulas.
Heavy Duty Formulas With Chemical Filters
People who have very sensitive skin, and are prone to allergies and irritation, should steer clear of mineral-based sunscreens, as they may react to the ingredients (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide etc.).
Instead, they should turn to the class of sunscreens with chemical filters, such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene. These sunscreens are usually white when applied to the skin, so you have to be careful to apply them evenly.
A word of caution: if you have very oily skin and don’t want to use a water-based sunscreen, you may want to stay away from chemical formulas, as they may make your skin more oily.
Solid Forms of UV Protection: Mineral-Based Sunblocks with High Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Concentration
Mineral-based sunblocks have a high concentration of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While these are not as efficient as chemical filters, they are excellent at providing a shield against harmful UV rays.
Certain mineral-based sunblocks, including ones with a high concentration of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, can be used as a daily moisturizer for dry skin.
What’s more, mineral-based sunblocks are non-comedogenic and don’t contain any fragrance, making them ideal for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
Conclusion
Sunscreens are an essential part of any skincare routine, and the best sunscreens are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients to nourish your skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays.
With so many sunscreen options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to pick, but with a little knowledge, you can find the perfect sunscreen for your skin. There are many different types of sunscreens out there, and while some are better than others, it’s important to note that no sunscreen is 100% perfect.
It’s important to know what type of sunscreen works best for your skin type so you can enjoy the summer sun while protecting your skin from harmful sun damage.
References:
1-UV-protection characteristics of some clays
Received 12 August 2009, Revised 19 January 2010, Accepted 24 January 2010, Available online 2 February 2010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2010.01.005
2-When should sunscreen be reapplied?
Accepted 9 May 2001, Available online 19 May 2003.
https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2001.117385
