Sunscreen

Best Sunscreen for Daily Use and Unisex Protection for Men & Women

The tropical Indian summers are hard. But choosing the best sunscreen for daily use is even harder. 

We often think that sunscreen is helpful only when the sun is shining brightly on our heads. But in reality, the sun is always there, irrespective of the weather. Hence, the UVA and UVB rays are always present in the atmosphere. 

Therefore, a sunscreen becomes a must for all seasons. Even winters. It is not just a beach essential or a saviour from summer tan. It is much more than this. Let's see how a sunscreen helps you and how to choose the right sunscreen for yourself. 

What exactly is a Sunscreen? 

A sunscreen is a shield that protects you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. In modern skincare, a sunscreen can be found in many forms. You might see a cream-based sunscreen or a stick. It can be a gel or even a spray for easy use. 
There are two types of sunscreens. One is chemical and the other is physical. For ease of understanding, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's rays, whereas physical sunscreens reflect them. Physical sunscreens are often referred to as mineral sunscreens. 
A major myth about sunscreen is that it should only be used by fair-skinned people to save them from tanning. But the truth is, sunscreen saves your skin from the UV rays, which can cause sunburn or premature ageing. Therefore, you must use a sunscreen irrespective of your skin colour. Modern science also offers sunscreens for all skin types, which reflects the significance of this. 

Why is Sunscreen non-negotiable?

Sunscreen offers a multitude of benefits: 

1.  Protection from UVA and UVB rays: UVA and UVB are the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. UVA rays can cause premature ageing and wrinkles as they have a longer wavelength and can enter the skin. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength, which damages the outer skin. These can cause sunburn and cancer. A sunscreen blocks or reflects these harmful rays.Therefore, choosing the best sunscreen for daily use is crucial to protect your skin from such damage. 
2. Saves you from tanning and sunburn: India is a tropical and sub-tropical country. We receive a lot of direct sunlight. This sunlight, while good for us, can also harm our skin if exposed for too long. It can darken the top layer of the skin. Prolonged exposure can also cause a sunburn. A sunscreen can save you from all this. 
3. Reduces the risk of skin diseases: A sunscreen acts as a barrier, protecting your skin from the risk of pigmentation and skin diseases. Excess exposure to UVB rays can cause skin cancer. It can irreparably damage the cells. A sunscreen is your best chance of reducing the risk of such diseases. 

How to choose the right sunscreen?

You should choose a sunscreen that offers an SPF rating of 50 and at least PA+++. But what are these factors?

To choose the best sunscreen for daily use, you should check the SPF and PA rating on it. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) depicts the protection from UVB rays. PA rating signifies the protection capacity from UVA rays. Therefore, a high SPF and PA rating would mean better protection from the sun.

Another important aspect to keep in mind while buying a sunscreen is your skin type. Not all skin types are the same, and thus, not every sunscreen is for you. For instance, if you have oily skin, you can opt for a gel-based sunscreen. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can go for a mineral sunscreen in cream form. 

Mystic Dust Advanced Matte Sunscreen Gel is crafted with such precision that it suits all skin types. It is great for oily to combination skin. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly into your skin. 

It has SPF 50 and PA+++, along with kumkumadi and niacinamide that help even out the skin tone. It is the best sunscreen gel for all skin types. 

Lastly, don’t forget to consider your lifestyle. If you have field work throughout the day or go out in the sun often, choose a sunscreen with the highest SPF and PA rating. Reapply the sunscreen as often as possible to protect your skin fully. 

How and when to use the sunscreen? 

A general standard for using sunscreen is the 2-finger rule. Take your index and middle finger, take sunscreen equal to their lengths. Apply this on your face, ear and neck. Be generous with the amount of sunscreen you use, as you need to cover your neck as well. 

You should not step out into the sun right after applying sunscreen. Wait for at least 20 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun after applying it. If you are outdoors for long, reapply the sunscreen after every 3 hours as its effects fade away with sweating and dust accumulation on the skin. 

Don’t miss the other exposed parts of your skin, like hands and legs. 

Common Mistakes people make with sunscreen 

• Using less amount of sunscreen. Less sunscreen = less protection. Be generous. 
• Missing sunscreen on cloudy days or winter season. Sun rays are always present; thus, sunscreen is non-negotiable every day. 
• Forgot to reapply. Sweating and face wiping can leave the first layer of sunscreen ineffective. Reapply every few hours for best protection. 
• Missing neck, hands and ears. These body parts are also exposed to the sun like the face. Take care of them. 

The right sunscreen for you

Sunscreen is not an add-on to your skin care, but an essential step to self-care. Not using sunscreen regularly can irreparably damage your skin. Make it a part of your daily routine, and it's best used as the last step of skin care. 
The best sunscreen for daily use is the one that has a high SPF and PA rating, just like Mystic Dust Advanced Matte Sunscreen Gel. It is easy to use and absorbs into the skin without any white cast.