What To Consider To Find The Perfect Sunscreen

We hear and read everywhere that sunscreen is key in beauty routines and for our skin’s health. However, do we really know why? What is behind these statements? To begin with, sunscreen is crucial for several reasons, especially related to skin health and protection from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

The first and most important reason is the fact that by using sunscreen we can prevent skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin cancer, including the most deadly form, melanoma. Regular use of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer by protecting the skin from these harmful rays.

READ NEXT

The use of sunscreen also prevents sunburn. This is usually caused by overexposure to UV radiation, leading to redness, pain, and sometimes blistering. Sunscreen absorbs or reflects these rays, significantly lowering the chance of sunburn. As regards beauty care, sunscreen can prevent premature aging since UV rays can accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Sunscreen helps maintain a youthful appearance by protecting against these effects.

It also prevents hyperpigmentation. Exposure to the sun can cause dark spots, uneven skin tone, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen helps prevent these issues by blocking UV rays that trigger melanin production.

Finally, we can also add that the use of sunscreen prevents heat rash and other sun-related issues. Sunscreen helps keep the skin cooler and less prone to these issues.

Sunscreen is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, reducing the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin-related problems. Regular use is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

What Is The Ideal Sunscreen For Me?

Although we usually use suncream when we want to protect our skin from sun rays, there are other options that we could bear in mind.

Creams are always a good option since they provide visible coverage and are quite nourishing. However, some alternatives can be suitable for us, too. For example, sun drop sunscreen could be a perfect choice if we are looking for something lightweight, liquid, or with a serum-like formula. They are easy to mix with other skincare products, like moisturizers or foundations, Since they are often less heavy, sundrops are great for oily or combination skin types. They tend to absorb quickly and leave little to no residue and the packaging is often compact and convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.

Sun drops can be versatile in their application, allowing you to customize your SPF coverage by mixing them into your other products. However, mixing can dilute the SPF, so make sure to use enough product to achieve the desired protection.

What SPF Should I Use?

The ideal SPF (Sun Protection Factor) depends on various factors such as your skin type, how long you will be in the sun, and the intensity of the UV radiation. However, there are general guidelines to help you choose the right SPF.

Dermatologists commonly recommend SPF 30 as the minimum for daily use. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, offering slightly more protection. This is often recommended for people with fair skin, those at high risk of skin cancer, or when you will be outdoors for extended periods.

If you plan to be outside for extended periods, especially during peak sunlight hours (10 AM to 4 PM), or in areas with intense sunlight, an SPF of 50 or higher may be advisable.

For activities like swimming or sweating, look for water-resistant sunscreens with SPF 50+ and reapply as directed, typically every two hours.

Moreover, people with fair or sensitive skin are more prone to sunburn and may benefit from higher SPF, like SPF 50 or more while darker skin has more natural protection against UV rays due to higher melanin levels, SPF 30 is still recommended to protect against sun damage and skin cancer.

Regardless of the SPF number, always make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburn.

For everyday use, especially if you are spending time indoors or in shaded areas, SPF 30 is generally sufficient. However, reapply if you are outdoors for longer periods or after swimming/sweating.

If you have a history of skin cancer or a condition that makes you particularly sensitive to the sun (such as lupus), consult a dermatologist for a personalized recommendation.