How to Pick the Right Sunscreen: You Won't Believe What You've Been Missing!

People always worry about their looks, men and women alike. Out of the vast range of skin products people use, sunscreen is the most overlooked category. Very few know that sunscreen is more important than any other skin product. Dermatologists say that UV rays of the Sun are the root cause of 90% of skin cancers, and surprisingly, they also speed up skin aging.

To give your skin the gift of ultimate protection, opt for sunscreens and wear them, whether indoors or outdoors. Choose makeup and skincare, which are rich in antioxidants to help fight free radical damage. But wait! Choosing the best sunscreen for the face and body involves more than just SPF numbers. This article explores the essential factors to consider when selecting sunscreen.

Understanding Sunscreen Basics

You should know how much sunscreen is helpful and the role it plays in protecting your skin before you head out to purchase one. Sunscreens give our skin a layer of protection that prevents damaging UV rays from penetrating the skin. 

SPF is a measure associated with sunscreen and is expanded as a Sun Protection Factor. It helps prevent skin damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. The factor checks the ability of a sunscreen to block the UVA and UVB rays of the Sun. An SPF number tells the level of protection, such as SPF 30 restricts about 97% of UVB rays! 

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Sunscreen

When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to go through what the label says. Keep an account of your allergies to certain ingredients. Also, keep a check on toxins like parabens, artificial fragrances and whiteners. Here below are some essential key factors for choosing the right sunscreen:

Broad-Spectrum Protection

UVA radiation is responsible for premature aging brought on by sun exposure, whereas UVB ray exposure leads to sunburn and contributes to the development of skin cancer. A sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection blocks UVA and UVB radiation. 

So, the next time, check the labels for the words "broad-spectrum" protection.

PA Index

The Protection Grade of UVA is known as the PA Index. It measures the ability of a sunscreen to protect your skin from UVA rays. UVAs can penetrate deeper into your skin compared to UVB rays to cause premature aging and skin cancer.

A scale from + to ++++ marks the PA index in a sunscreen. A rating of ++++ provides better protection from UVA.

So, it is important to choose a sunscreen with a high PA rating.

SPF Selection

Selecting the right SPF, considering skin type- if you have super sensitive skin, opt for mineral sunscreen.

For instance, higher SPF levels are advisable for a person whose skin has less melanin, outdoor activities, or longer sun exposure.

Skin Type and Sensitivity

Understanding your skin type before picking your sunscreen is wise. 

• A mattifying or oil-free formula is the best sunscreen for the face oily skin type. 
• Moisturizing sunscreen for dry skin, face, or body. 
• Vegan, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic are the best sunscreen for sensitive skin. 

Types of Sunscreen

Let us have a quick glance at the type of sunscreen based on the presence of certain chemicals and minerals.

Chemical Sunscreens:

The mechanism of protection is that these chemicals convert UV rays into heat by absorbing them. Such organic compounds facilitate much-needed broad-spectrum protection.

Physical or Mineral Sunscreens:

Minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are present in Physical (or Mineral) sunscreens.  The sunscreen and minerals form a protective layer on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays away from individuals' skin. These sunscreens are considered environmentally friendly as there is no chemical reaction to protect your skin. Additionally, you are less likely to get skin sensitivities when using them.

Application and Reapplication

One must not neglect any exposed skin area when applying sunscreen. The areas to coat with a protective layer of sunscreen can be the face, the neck, ears, neck, and back of the hands and feet etc.

• The face should be clean and moisturized face, so the other exposed body parts.
• The equivalent of three fingers is the right amount of sunscreen that needs to be applied to your face to get the right protection.
• Massage in upward motions.
• Wait for some time before applying makeup or stepping out.
• Apply again every two hours or earlier if you're swimming or sweating due to work or heat.

Daughter Earth Sunscreens for Broad Spectrum Protection

One must understand that incorporating sunscreen into daily skin routine is essential regardless of weather, activities, or place. Considering paraben-free, toxin-free, and vegan sunscreen with suitable SPF is a wiser move currently. Mineral sunscreens are the latest trends. Daughter Earth offers wild-harvested, sustainable, cruelty-free and 100% vegan options in its sunscreen range:

So, now that you know how important it is to choose the best sunscreen for your face and body, prefer going in for broad-spectrum protection, suitable SPF, skin type and so on. Your skin is the ultimate covering that protects your body. Hence, it is your responsibility to prioritize sunscreen as a vital part of your skincare regimen to ensure healthier skin!