The bright sunny days, midday ice cream, hanging out with our friends–we all relish life's simple pleasures. But, even in these carefree moments, we need to remember the importance of safeguarding our skin from the sun's rays.
Sunscreens have always been an essential part of skincare. We might add or remove products from our skincare routines, but sunscreen is always a must-have. From toddlers to elders, everyone needs sun protection! Missing out on good sunscreen can be expensive on our skin. Everyone needs sun protection, so you shouldn’t miss out on the benefits of wearing sunscreen indoors. Here is your guide to explore details and pick the best sunscreen for everyday use on face and skin!
Science Behind Our Sunshield
We get exposed to UVB and UVA photons while walking on the surface of our planet. Sunburn and skin cancer are mostly brought on by the shorter wavelength UVB rays, which do not penetrate the skin deeply but cause considerable damage to DNA.
The deeper layers of skin are affected by the longer wavelength UVA radiation. UVA radiation exposure is believed to be associated with premature skin ageing and dermatological issues.
A sunscreen for daily use blocks UV photons shortly before they may damage your skin by acting like an extremely thin protective shield. It has both inorganic pigments that take in, dissipate and reflect UV rays, as well as organic components that absorb UV rays, converting them into less harmful forms of energy.
When Do You Need Sunscreen?
The skin is the very first organ to be affected by damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause wrinkles, sunburns, discolouration, and pigmentation. The skin is vulnerable to burns, even on cloudy days. So you should always keep sunscreen handy.
The need for sunscreen will vary depending on the melanin content of your skin. Given the same conditions, a person with melanin-rich skin is far less likely to be affected by solar radiation than a person with melanin-deprived skin.
The amount of sunscreen used affects how much solar radiation is absorbed. Applying sunscreen in the right amount and on a regular basis is essential.
If you're out in the direct sunlight at 1 p.m., you should reapply once every half an hour. If you are out in the bright sun at 9 am, you should reapply every two hours.
The sunscreen may lose part of its effectiveness over time. Moreover, it may be wiped off by sweating. So it's important to reapply.
Sunscreen is like your skin’s best friend! Do not forget to carry it along with you.
The Warriors of Sunscreen: SPF and PA Index
We know that the SPF and PA index are the key variables we notice in sunscreen. Let us understand these a little more.
SPFYou probably already know that sunscreen comes in a variety of SPF ratings, mainly SPF 15, 30, 50, and 100. However, it's essential to understand that the SPF number doesn't necessarily directly correlate with the level of protection you receive from sunscreen.
SPF refers to the sun protection factor and determines the level of protection from UVB rays that are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Here is a simple breakdown of the SPF levels and the UV protection:
SPF 15 |
Blocks 93% UVB |
SPF 30 |
Blocks 97% UVB |
SPF 50 |
Blocks 98% UVB |
SPF 100 |
Blocks 100% UVB |
SPF 30 or 50 are regarded as the most effective levels because the increase in UVB protection beyond SPF 50 is minimal. SPF 100 is typically not advised since it can give one a false impression of protection without significantly enhancing protection. However, it is important to be mindful of the fact that the effectiveness of sunscreen also depends on factors like how generously it's applied and how often it's reapplied.
PA IndexThe PA rating system was developed using the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) approach. The amount of UVA protection you receive depends on how many plus signs are put after PA. The UVA rays primarily cause your skin to darken.
Here is a simple breakdown of the PA index and UV protection:
PA+ |
Some Level of UVA protection |
PA++ |
Moderate Level of UVA protection |
PA+++ |
High Level of UVA protection |
PA++++ |
Very High Level of UVA protection |
Generally, PA+ indicates that you will have considerable UVA protection, with additional plusses signifying a better degree of protection. The best sunscreen for everyday use on the face for blocking UVA radiation is PA++++.
Remember the golden rule of sunscreen: reapply every two hours.
Daughter Earth’s Magical Sunscreens
Out in the sun or staying indoors, you should not forget the benefits of wearing sunscreen. Daughter Earth brings you the ultimate protection with SUNNYDIP– perfect sunscreens for all skin types. With a natural composition, this formulation is free from toxins and light on your skin.
SUNNYDIP Mineral SunscreenThe beloved sunscreen for all types of skin!
- Broad spectrum protection: SPF 35, PA+++
- Contains Mulberry, Vitamin C and Amino Acid complexes for skin brightening and skin barrier protection.
- Chamomile and rose to soothe the skin with the sunkissed glow
- No greasy, lightweight formula
- Safe for pregnant women
- Modern green chemistry, silicone-free formulation
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
SPF 50 Sunnydip Hybrid Sunscreen
The magical dewy touch for your skin!
- Broad spectrum UV protection: SPF 50, PA++++
- Lightweight, dewy sunscreen
- Contains Sea Kelp-rich in antioxidants with refreshing aloe vera and hyaluronic acid
- 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free with no Octinoxate & Oxybenzone
- Vitamin C for brightening and Niacinamide for skin comfort
- Rich in pomegranates and carrots for skin health and nourishment
Now that we know what is in our sunscreen and how important it is to apply and reapply sunscreen during the day, you should include a good daily-use sunscreen in your skincare regime. Ensure that you look at the SPF and PA index along with other ingredients to give your skin the best care possible!