The Simple Reality About Choosing Sunscreen
Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type is like looking for a mate, you have to be selective in order to get the best. If you choose the wrong one, sunscreen doesn’t work optimally or even causes breakouts on your skin. Therefore, know 5 simple but important things that you should pay attention to before picking up sunscreen. Here are the full explanations!
1. SPF Number, Choose The One That Provides Optimal Protection From UVB
One of the points that you must determine when buying sunscreen is the SPF (Sun Protector Factor) number. The range of SPF numbers in sunscreen products on the market is quite large, ranging from SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 35, SPF 50, SPF 70, and even SPF 100. The amount of SPF in a sunscreen determines how strong the product can protect your skin from UVB exposure. You need to know, that this UVB radiation can cause sunburn and at worst, can trigger the risk of skin cancer.
It is highly recommended to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 that filters UVB rays by 97% can be used for those of you who have medium and dark skin. While SPF 50 which provides 98% protection is recommended for people with lighter skin or those whose skin burns more easily.
2. Choose A Sunscreen With A Broad Spectrum To Protect The Skin From UVA
After determining the amount of SPF, you also have to choose a sunscreen with a “broad spectrum” claim. This is because SPF only filters out UVB rays. In fact, UVA rays can also have a variety of negative impacts on your skin, for example causing wrinkles and accelerating signs of aging. Hence, look for a sunscreen that also provides UVA protection, usually marked with PA+, PA++, or PA+++ after the SPF number.
3. Choose A Sunscreen Formula That Suits Your Skin Type
Many people are lazy to use sunscreen because it leaves a greasy feeling on their oily skin. There are also those who are lazy to use sunscreen because it triggers irritation on their sensitive skin. From now on, you don’t have to worry anymore because sunscreen is available in various formulas for all skin types.
For those of you who have dry skin, you can look for ones that contain ingredients such as glycerin, lanolin, oil, and aloe vera. Avoid sunscreens with gel formulas that contain alcohol.
If your skin is oily, you can opt for sunscreen with silica. You can also choose a sunscreen with a lotion, gel, or water-based formula that is light on the face and doesn’t leave a sticky feeling.
Meanwhile, for owners of sensitive skin, buy hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen. Also, choose a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
4. Choose The Type Of Sunscreen That Is Friendly To Your Skin
Did you know that there are two types of sunscreen, namely physical sunscreen, and chemical sunscreen? Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into heat energy released by the skin. This sunscreen is suitable for those of you who have oily skin. Meanwhile, physical sunscreen is suitable for those with sensitive skin, because it works by protecting the surface of your skin by creating a new layer that acts as a curtain.
To distinguish the two, you can see it from the active ingredients listed on the ingredient list. Chemical sunscreens usually contain avobenzone, dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or triethanolamine salicylate. While physical sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
5. Choose A Sunscreen With A Form And Texture That Is Easy To Re-Apply
Sunscreen is a skincare product that you need to re-apply every 2-3 hours so that you get optimal protection. Therefore, choose the form of sunscreen that is most comfortable for your skin. There are many forms of sunscreen that you can choose from, some are spray, lotion, gel, cream, stick, powder, and even cushion. Opt for the one that you think is most comfortable to use, so you are not lazy to reapply sunscreen in the middle of the day. Don’t forget to also consider travel-friendly packaging which is easy to carry everywhere.
Now, it’s easier for you to pick up the best sunscreen for your skin, right? So, which sunscreen do you like the most?