No More Sunburn: Choosing The Perfect Sunscreen For Your Skin Type

  • Posted by: developer
  • Category: Skin Treatment
choosing-the-right-sunscreen for skin type

Introduction

You must have seen dozens of ads and products about Sunscreen but you are unsure about the terms like SPF, how to use sunscreen and other things right? Don’t worry as our celebrity cosmetic dermatologist having 17+ years of experience explains about sunscreen ,its need, types, how to choose your sunscreen followed by its application. So keep your eyes hinged to your screen to know more so prevent side effects of excessive sun exposure like sunburn or hyper pigmentation.

Q1. Why You Need Sunscreen?

The sun is life giver but it is also harmful as its rays contain UV radiation which is dangerous when exposed for a long time.

So in order to protect you from the harmful effect of the sunrays and its potential impacts like sunburns sunscreens have been invented.

Q2. What different types of sunscreens are available in the market?

Based on composition two main types of sunscreen exist in the market which are

1. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen:

These are based on specific minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

  • These are also called as tinted sunscreens
  • They when applied on the skin reflect the sunrays back
  • Are more suitable for children
  • They leave a thick white cast when applied on the skin.
  • They are thicker in consistency
  • However they may sometimes prick or cause stinging sensation so are not suitable for all skin types

2. Chemical Sunscreen:

These are based on chemical substances like Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Avobenzone etc which act as sun filters.

  • These allow the sunrays to pass through but are converted into heat.
  • They are thinner in consistency and hence are also easier to apply and are not easier to detect.
  • These are suitable for application on all skin

 

Q3. How to Choose Sunscreen According to My Skin Type?

1. SPF: Tip to choose the right sunscreen. Expert Advice

SPF refers to sun protection factor which is the amount of light a particular sunscreen can stop.

  • For example an SPF 15 sunscreen provides 93% protection against harmful sunrays.
  • While an SPF 30 provides 97% protection.
  • The American Association of Dermatology recommends using at least SPF 30 sunscreen when stepping out in the sun

2. PA+++:

In order to counter the white patch formation some scientists began to use nano sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide but this lead to creation of new problem such as blocking of pores due to smaller size of crystals.

3. Spectrum:

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen which provides a broader protection against both UVA and UVB sunrays.

4. Skin type:

If you have dry skin then look for hydrating ingredients in them such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

  • If you have oily skin then stay away from sunscreens which are creamy and oily and instead contain are gel type or watery type along with non-comedogenic.
  • If you have sensitive skin then mineral sunscreens are the way to go as they contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and unlike chemical sunscreens are free from chemicals.
  • If you are spending more time on beach or in water then look for water resistant sunscreen so that it stays on wet skin for long time.

5. Formulation type:

Let’s discuss about specific form

  • Gels: Choose this type of sunscreen when you have oily skin
  • Creams: Choose this type when you have dry skin
  • Sprays: Choose this especially when application to difficult to reach areas such as back side.
  • Sticks: These are available in form of a roll on and provided benefits such as ease of reapplication and are untouched by your hand.
  • Lotions: These are thinnest in consistency thus providing more ease of

Q4. How Should I Apply Sunscreen?

Step1: Choose the formulation type and then if it is a cream or gel then use a pint size apply 1 pint on each part of the body

Step 2: Rub the sunscreen thoroughly on the each frequently exposed body part to the sun such as arms, feet’s, legs, face, neck upper chest etc.

Step 3: Reapply if necessary after a span of 1 to 2 hours.

  • You should apply sunscreen irrespective of weather conditions like cloudy, sunny or raining as compromising is not an option is it?
  • You should also apply sunscreen when sitting in front of computer to block the blue light from the screen.

Conclusion

There it is folks, the all round guide to sunscreen. However if you have already undergone hyper pigmentation then we at Allure MedSpa also offer some advanced Laser treatments for hyper pigmentation in order to restore the even tone of your skin.