Sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer are some of the biggest skin problems caused by exposure to UV rays. To tackle these issues, remind yourself to add a good quality sunscreen to your daily routine. Whether it is a sunny day or you are dealing with cool breezy winds of winter, applying sunscreen at least twice daily is non-negotiable. But while it is essential to apply sunscreen, choosing the right one can overwhelm you as just like every other skin care product, sunscreen is also available in a vast variety, catering to different skin types and needs. So, to help prevent sun damage, here is what to look for when buying sunscreen.

Why do we need sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be a staple skincare product. Dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor says, “Sunscreen provides the much-needed protection to the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.” Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause premature ageing, skin cancer, tanning, sunburn and other skin-related problems like hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen can help you tackle these problems. It can also keep your skin smooth and healthy. But make sure to consult an expert before using sunscreen for effective results.

The United States Environmental Protection Agencies states that exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. Chronic exposure can make your skin thick, wrinkled and leathery. Not only this, 90 percent of the visible skin changes attributed to ageing are caused by the sun’s UV rays. Besides this, sun exposure can also lead to eye damage and impact the proper functioning of the body’s immune system.

What are the different types of sunscreen?

Before reading the sunscreen buying guide, it may be worth it for you to understand the different types of sunscreen that are available in the market:

1. Chemical sunscreen

This type of sunscreen works by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat, which is then released from the skin. Packed with ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate and octisalate, chemical sunscreens are lightweight and promise to offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. According to the Advanced Associates in Dermatology, chemical sunscreens are sheer and natural appearing. For normal to oily skin, chemical sunscreens may work as they are lightweight and non-greasy. However it is essential to note that these sunscreens may also cause allergic reactions.

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2. Physical or mineral sunscreen

Physical or mineral sunscreen is a type of sunscreen, which creates a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays away from the surface of the skin. They use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide immediate protection against sun damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, mineral sunscreens work best for people with sensitive skin. With their non-irritating and gentle formulations, these sunscreens are safe to use. But, they may even leave a whiter texture on the skin.

3. Tinted sunscreen

Tinted sunscreens are the kind of sunscreen that provides an additional benefit of skin tone correction and can act as a light foundation. They blend seamlessly into the skin tones to offer protective as well as cosmetic benefits.

How to choose the right sunscreen for you?

Have you ever wondered which sunscreen is best for your face? As much as applying sunscreen is non-negotiable, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. Here is how you can choose the best sunscreen to protect your skin against UV rays:

1. SPF value

SPF stands for sun protection factor. It refers to the ability of your sunscreen to protect your skin against UV radiation. It is related to the amount of solar exposure and not the time of solar exposure, meaning SPF level indicates how much longer it takes untanned skin to start becoming red with sunscreen applied to how much time it will take to start reddening without it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a sunscreen with SPF 30 can block 97 per cent of UV rays. “Try to choose a sunscreen of over SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays,” says the expert.

2. Broad-spectrum protection

Sunlight consists of two harmful rays that can impact your skin health – UVA rays and UVB rays. Overexposure to either can lead to health complications like skin cancer, premature ageing and more. So, while choosing a sunscreen, it is important to ensure that the product is labelled as “broad-spectrum” as it indicates that the product can protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Water-resistance

While no sunscreen is 100 per cent water-proof, they can be water or sweat-resistant. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should always use a sunscreen that is water-resistant for 40 to 80 minutes. This will ensure that your skin remains protected even while swimming, sweating or exercising.

4. Level of sun exposure

Measuring your level of sun exposure is essential as it can help you choose the right sunscreen. The level of sun exposure depends on your geographical location, time of the day, UV index and activities. If you actively engage in outdoor activities, it is best to use sunscreen with SPF 50 to adjust the frequency of reapplication and compensate for the level of sun exposure.

5. Ingredients

Paying attention to sunscreen ingredients is essential when choosing a sunscreen. The ingredients of the sunscreen depend on its type, that is chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens are made from two unique ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While titanium dioxide can UVB and short-wave UVA rays, it is less effective than zinc oxide, which can block various types of rays. Chemical sunscreen is formulated using a wide range of ingredients, including avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and oxybenzone. While avobenzone protects from UVA rays, octinoxate blocks UVB rays, preventing the damage of the sun on the surface of the skin.

Also Read: Best sunscreen sticks: 10 top picks for targeted protection

6. Additional ingredients

Besides the active ingredients, sunscreens also contain some additional ingredients like vitamin C and green tea. So, check the ingredients list of the product to ensure that it is formulated with multitasking ingredients, which can prevent premature ageing, reduce hyperpigmentation, improve skin hydration and provide relief from sunburn. Dr, Rinky Kapoor suggests using a non-greasy sunscreen for dull skin that contains niacinamide and vitamin E. For ageing skin, tinted and oil-free sunscreen is a good option as it can help reduce the visible appearance of skin problems like blemishes and spots.

7. Sunscreen formulation

Sunscreen comes in all shapes, sizes and formulations. From cream-based products to gel-based ones, sunscreens are available in different formulations, each one catering to specific skin concerns and needs. So, first, consider your skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a cream or lotion-based sunscreen, which can moisturise and hydrate your skin. Gel-based or powdered sunscreens are best for oily skin as they can provide a matte finish along with protecting your skin. For acne-prone and sensitive skin, opt for non-comedogenic, mineral and hypoallergenic sunscreens as they won’t clog pores or cause allergic reactions.

8. Skin type

Each skin type has different concerns. So, while buying sunscreen, it is essential to pay attention to the needs of each skin type for effective results.

• Dry skin
  People with dry skin should opt for a cream-based sunscreen that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as per Dry Rinky Kapoor. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, moisturising sunscreens that contain shea butter, glycerin and other moisture-binding agents work best for dry skin.

• Oily skin or acne-prone skin
  Individuals with oily and acne-prone skin should choose a non-comedogenic, lightweight gel or water-based sunscreen, which is infused with vital ingredients like salicylic acid. Clogged pores are one of the biggest concerns for people with oily skin, so choosing an oil-free or mattifying sunscreen that contains niacinamide, ceramides or peptides can be a good idea as per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Besides sun protection, these sunscreens can help fight acne and reduce discolouration.

• Sensitive skin
  Those with sensitive skin must choose a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Make sure to use sunscreen that is free from fragrances to avoid the risk of allergies or any adverse skin reactions.

Also Read: Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin: 10 choices for clear and protected skin

What ingredients to avoid while choosing a sunscreen?

Paraben is one such ingredient that you must avoid while choosing sunscreen. Dr Rinky Kapoor says, “It tends to disrupt the hormonal balance and may lead to skin irritation. It is best to opt for a paraben-free and fragrance-free sunscreen.” It may cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. While the effects may vary depending on skin types and sensitivies, paraben can lead to dryness, redness and itching.

How to effectively use a sunscreen?

It is important to follow the right steps of applying sunscreen to get results. The expert suggests a few steps of applying sunscreen:

•  Apply sunscreen for at least half an hour before going out. This period will allow your skin to absorb the product for better results.
• Make sure to reapply sunscreen after every 3 hours without fail to stay protected from UV rays.
• Follow the two-finger rule while applying sunscreen to the face, neck and other exposed areas.
• Do not rub the sunscreen hard and apply it gently to prevent skin problems like tanning.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How much SPF is effective for sun protection?

SPF or sun protection factors measure the ability of the sunscreen to protect your skin against UVB rays, which can cause sunburn. It represents the amount of time it takes for the sun’s UVB rays to cause sunburn on protected skin in comparison to unprotected skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher can protect your skin better as a higher SPF value means increased protection.

• Do I need to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days?

Skipping sunscreen should not be an option. Whether it is a sunny day or the sky is surrounded by clouds, you should always apply sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, even on cloudy days, 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reach your skin, causing premature ageing, and pigmentation, increasing the risk of skin cancer and more. So, make it a habit to use sunscreen daily.

• How often should I apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied daily. It is always recommended to use sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going out. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours and immediately after exercising or performing any water activity.

This guide may help you pick the right product for your skin type, so make sure to consider these points while buying a sunscreen.