When it comes to skin care, one of the most important steps we can take to protect ourselves from the sun is choosing the right sunscreen. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which sunscreen is best for us.
The right sunscreen can help us avoid the harmful effects of UV rays, such as premature aging and skin cancer, while keeping our skin protected and healthy. Let's break down how we can choose the best sunscreen for our skin type and lifestyle.
1. Understanding SPF
The first thing we need to understand when choosing sunscreen is SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. SPF indicates how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it provides. For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 sunscreen blocks about 98%.
However, it's important to note that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. For daily use, a sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 is generally recommended. If we're going to be outside for extended periods of time or doing activities like swimming, we should opt for a higher SPF.
2. Broad-Spectrum Protection
In addition to SPF, we also need to look for a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and can reach deeper into the skin. Both types of rays contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it explicitly states that it offers broad-spectrum protection. This will ensure that we are shielding ourselves from both the immediate and long-term effects of sun exposure.
3. Know Your Skin Type
Our skin type plays a significant role in determining which sunscreen is best for us. For example, if we have oily or acne-prone skin, we should opt for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. These formulas won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts. On the other hand, if we have dry skin, look for a sunscreen that also contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep our skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun.
Sensitive skin requires extra care, so we should choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and formulated with gentle ingredients. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients, are often a great choice for sensitive skin, as they sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays.
4. Consider Water Resistance
If we plan to swim or sweat while we're out in the sun, choosing a water-resistant sunscreen is a must. Water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay on the skin for longer periods, even when we're in the water or sweating. However, no sunscreen is completely waterproof, so it's important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Water-resistant sunscreens are available in both chemical and physical formulations, and we can choose whichever works best for our skin type and personal preference.
Which sunscreen should you choose? - Mary Poffenroth
Video by TED-Ed
5. Look for Additional Benefits
Many sunscreens today offer more than just UV protection. Some sunscreens contain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which help fight free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage. Other sunscreens may have anti-aging properties or ingredients that help improve skin texture.
If we're looking for extra skin care benefits, we should consider a sunscreen that has additional properties, like hydration or anti-aging ingredients, to boost our skin care routine.
6. Don't Forget to Reapply
The best sunscreen won't be effective unless we use it properly. We should apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15 minutes before going outside. It's also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if we're swimming, sweating, or wiping our face.
Even if we're indoors or it's cloudy, we should still apply sunscreen. UV rays can reach windows, and the sun's rays can still damage our skin even on overcast days.
Choosing the right sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By understanding SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and how to choose based on our skin type and lifestyle, we can keep our skin safe and healthy. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly and enjoy the outdoors with the confidence that we are taking care of our skin. With the right sunscreen, we can enjoy the sun while staying protected from its damaging rays.
