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A Complete Sunscreen Guide: Protection, Types, and How to Use It

Sunlight is important for living as it helps in keeping the human body fit, and active. It is known to up lift the mood, improve sleep cycle, and provide vitamin D. However, excessive sun exposure to UV radiation can lead to pigmentation, skin aging, and cancer. According to WHO, if you are exposed to sun for too long, it is likely to increase the risk of skin cancer.

This is why sunscreen is important as it safeguards against the harmful rays of sun. There are many people who don’t use sunscreen or use it in the wrong way. There are numerous questions such as “What SPF is appropriate for me?”, “What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?” and so on.

So, here is a complete guide to help you understand the importance, types and the correct way to use it.

Understanding Sun Damage & Need for Protection

If you haven’t using sunscreen protection then here’s why you should be using it. Let’s read about the different rays and the harms that they are likely to cause to your skin.

1. UVA Rays – These rays are known to penetrate deep in the skin and harm it thoroughly. It can lead to wrinkles, and fine lines and increase the risk of skin cancer.

2. UVB Rays – These rays are known to affect the outer layer of skin causing sunburn and contributing to skin cancer.

Now, let’s read how you can safeguard your skin by applying sunscreen. Choosing the write SPF is important. Wondering what SPF is? Let’s read about it and the different versions available in the market.

What Is SPF?

SPF or Sun Protection Factor displays how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays.

  • SPF 15 blocks up to 93%
  • SPF 30 blocks up to 97%
  • SPF 50 blocks up to 98%

Please note that no sunscreen can block the UV rays entirely. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher for better protection against the harmful rays of sun. To check the protection level, it provides against UVA rays, you need to see if it is a “broad spectrum” sunscreen.

You Can Read Also:- Niacinamide Face Serum Guide: Smart Usage and Skin Care Tips

Types of Sunscreen

Majorly, there are two sunscreen types available in the market, let’s read about these two and what they do.

1. Mineral Sunscreen – Mineral sunscreen also known as physical sunscreen comprises ingredients such as Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. These help in forming a protective layer on the skin which reflect UV rays. This sunscreen starts working as soon as it is applied, is best for sensitive skin and ideal for children and those who have acne. However, it may make your skin feel heavier and whiter.

2. Chemical Sunscreen – This chemical sunscreen has ingredients such as Octinoxate, Avobenzone, and Oxybenzone. These are known for absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat which is released from the skin. This sunscreen is lightweight, is better absorbed by the skin and doesn’t appear white. However, it may irritate sensitive skin and is required to be applied 15-20 minutes before the sun exposure.

Sunscreens are easily available in the market in different forms such as creams, gels, lotions, sticks and sprays. If you have dry skin then creams are best for you, gels are great for oily and acne-prone skin while sticks are great for application under eyes and on lips. The sunscreen sprays work well if you are using it on body as it helps in better application.

How You Should Use Sunscreen?

Do you know the right way of sunscreen application? Here’s how you should be applying it on your skin for better protection from harmful rays.

  1. Cleanse your face
  2. Apply moisturizer if required
  3. Apply sunscreen as recommended
  4. Wait 15–20 minutes in case of chemical sunscreen
  5. Apply makeup if you want

You Can Read Also:- Winter Skin Care Routine: Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy, Soft & Hydrated

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use? 

It is very important that you use correct amount of sunscreen to get the best results. It is recommended that you use about a teaspoon of sunscreen on face and massage it towards neck. If you are applying it on full body then around 30 to 35 gms will be do.

Did you know that sunscreen work for limited time period? Yes, you need to reapply it after every two hours. If you did swimming or you sweated too much then also you need to reapply it even if it is water-resistant.

Conclusion

Sunrays are essential for human body and so is sunscreen. Practicing it regularly can help you save yourself from various skin issues. It not only prevents premature aging but also reduces the risk of skin cancer. The benefits of sunscreen have been scientifically proven and are also approved by World Health Organization.

The sunscreen you choose can make all the difference to your skin protection. Mystic Dust offers the best sunscreen gel which provides protection from not only UVA and UVB but also blue light. It has active ingredients such as Ceramides, Kumkumadi Oil, Suncat DE, Niacinamide, and Phospholipids which nourish and protect your skin.

This product has been designed considering the Indian weather and is suitable for both men and women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I skip sunscreen if my skin is dark?

Sunscreen can be used by anyone and is not limited to a specific skin tone. Although darker skin has more melanin but it is still at the risk of getting UV damage and skin cancer. So, even if you have dark skin tone, you should use sunscreen.

2. Is SPF 100 better than SPF 50?

Yes, you can say that but there isn’t much difference when you compare both. While SPF 50 blocks up to 98% of UVB rays, the SPF 100 blocks up to 99%. How you apply it matters more than using high SPF sunscreen.

3. Can I use last year’s sunscreen?

Whether you should use the last year’s sunscreen or not depends on the expiry date of the product. If the product has expired then it is likely to lose its effectiveness, so there is no benefit of using it.

4. Do I need sunscreen if I stay indoors all day?

Sunscreen helps skin against harmful rays of sun which are likely to enter inside your space if you have large windows. So, yes, if you like sitting near the window or use screens for longer hours then you must apply sunscreen for protection.

5. Can sunscreen cause acne?

Every skin is different, so it all depends on your skin type and how you apply it. While there are some formulas that can clog pores, it is better to use oil-free sunscreen especially if you have acne-prone skin.

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