The sun is fantastic and also vital for our existence, but the sun’s rays can speed up the signs of ageing (UVA rays), burning (UVB rays) and skin diseases – which is why it is important to protect yourself with SPF – Sun Protection Factor. This means that wearing sunscreen is not just limited to wearing it when you’re headed down to the beach on holiday but an everyday affair (most important step in your morning routine)
We’ve all heard the myths around sunscreen one of the larger ones being that people with darker skin not needing sunscreen. This is completely false. Having dark skin does not automatically protect you from the sun while it is less likely to burn, skin cancer is still a big concern. An even bigger one when you don’t wear sunscreen.
So how do I pick the right sunscreen?
You need to pick one that will provide you with enough protection, one that is in your budget and one that works well for your skin type. Here is a simple guide on what to look out for when buying sunscreen.
- Broad spectrum
You want to make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Now that you are aware that there’s two kinds of sun rays that can affect our skin, you want to get a broad spectrum sunscreen. This means that it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
You want to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protection. Sun protection factor is how much more protection your sunscreen can provide before skin burns or gets damaged. The larger the number the more the protection.
Tip: This doesn’t mean SPF 70-100 is more effective than SPF 50. Studies have shown they more or less offer the same amount of protection.
SPF 15 will not provide you with adequate protection especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Instead reach out and buy sunscreens with SPF 30 and higher these will protect you enough whether indoors or outdoors. Stick to buying and using sunscreen between SPF 30-50.
- Chemical Sunscreen vs Physical Sunscreens
Deciding on what type of sunscreen to use is an important personal decision there is no type that’s better than the other one. It’s up to you to decide which one works best for your skin.
Chemical sunscreens work by using ingredients that absorb into your skin and transform the UV rays into heat to prevent them from damaging your skin. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are avobenzone, octinoxate, octusalate and ocybenzone. Chemical sunscreens do not leave you with a white cast and they’re easy to apply.
Physical sunscreens work by sitting on the surface of the skin and block and scatter UV rays. This is because they use mineral filters in their ingredients, these filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Unfortunately these are the same filters that leave you with a white cast. They are usually quite thick and take a while to blend in and absorb into the skin. However they are better suited for those with melasma and those with sensitive skin who’ve been known to react to chemical filters.
- PA Rating (PA++++)
This is a common sunscreen rating in Japanese and Korean sunscreens. It is a rating system that represents how much UVA protection the product offers. The higher/more the +, the higher protection you get.
How should you apply your sunscreen?
You should use the two finger (whole length of your index and middle finger) rule to apply your sunscreen. This is the typical rule whether you are applying it for the first time during the day or reapplying for much later in the day.
Speaking of reapplying, you should reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outdoors but every 4-5 hours if you’re indoors. Peak times for sun exposure are 8am, 12pm and 4pm you want to ensure you have applied and reapplied if you plan to be in direct sunlight at those hours.
Why should you reapply? Sunscreen moves around especially after the initial application and can also rub off. If you have oily skin it can start to separate, and your protection is then lessened.
Recommendations for sunscreens that work well for all the skin types:
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
- Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
- Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced UV Face Fluid SPF 50+
- Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+