When you see the bottles of SPF 50 or SPF 30 on your bedside table, you probably don’t associate them with knights and armors. In fact, the visual of your innocent sunscreen bottle sprouting an arm and brandishing a jousting lance might be enough to make you burst into peals of laughter. Irrespective of how mirthful this might seem to be: sunscreen, knights and armors are more closely related than they seem to be. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV radiation that include cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. This is what makes it as essential for your skin as armor is for a knight, especially if you’re in your early twenties. However, when you set out to choose the perfect sunscreen, it’s not unusual to feel confused and overwhelmed by the numerous options that exist in the market. So how do you decide which sunscreen is the best for your skin? Here are some factors to consider:
-
SPF Level: SPF— or Sun Protection Factor— is so much more than a three letter abbreviation. It’s actually an important indicator that defines how long your sunscreen will protect you as compared to unprotected skin. As per a recent article by The New York Times, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends opting for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. So, when you’re walking along the beauty and skin treatment aisle at your local drugstore, remember to keep your eyes peeled for a number greater than 30!
-
Water Resistance: If you’re a swimmer or someone who’s out in the sun a lot, you might want to consider a water resistant sunscreen. It helps the sunscreen stay on your skin longer while running, sweating or swimming, the perfect option for someone who’s always on the go.
-
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin, and when you’re choosing your bottle, it’s important to make sure that what you select protects well. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is your best bet! It protects you from UV radiation which is composed of UVA and UVB rays. While they may sound like the same thing, they are in fact distinct yet equally harmful entities that must be kept away from your skin, and Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is instrumental in making this possible.
-
Survey Your Skin Type: Remember, if a certain sunscreen is working well for your best friend, it doesn’t mean that the same sunscreen is right for you too. Sunscreen— like other beauty products— is dependent on your skin type, and this must be taken into account as you make your choice, especially because sunscreen is a product that you would want to apply frequently throughout your day. Here are different types of sunscreen that sit well with various skin types:
-
Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, opting for a fragrance-free sunscreen with a baby formula might be a good alternative. In addition to limiting reaction and inflammation, a baby formula based sunscreen doesn’t irritate your skin and gives instant results.
-
Acne Prone: If your skin is acne prone, it’s important to opt for a hypo-allergenic alternative that doesn’t clog your pores. While their SPF level might be slightly lower, such sunscreens are usually equipped with Micropearl technology which is oil-absorbent and stops unnecessary shine.
-
Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, you’re already dealing with a wavering skin barrier which makes the use of sunscreen all the more important in your skincare routine. In such a scenario, it’s essential that you choose a product with shea butter or glycerin to wrestle with dryness, leading to moist and protected skin.
-
Reapplication is a Must: Like a persisting child, sunscreen won’t let you forget about it with a single-use application. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, you’ll have to reapply it every two hours to ensure that your sunscreen is protected and secure. This is why it’s important to choose a texture that suits your skin. There are a lot of different types of sunscreens, ranging from gel-based and lightweight sunscreens to creamy and lotion-based ones. As you contemplate which texture will suit your skin the best, it’s important to take comfort into consideration as you’ll be applying it multiple times throughout the day.
Conclusively, the sunscreen on your bedside table is so much more than a product. It is indeed a skin care knight, and to best channel its abilities, you need to thoroughly acquaint yourself with each aspect of its unique personality.