Around one out of five people in the US are at risk of skin cancer because of a poor skincare routine. Especially in sunny regions, people have the highest risk of skin diseases caused by intense UV rays. That is why many people get premature aging and wrinkles only from continuous exposure to the sun's rays. To protect their skin, they need SPF (sun protection factor), aka sunblock, against all types of dangers. Skin cancer, sunburn, premature aging, extreme tanning, and various threats exist when a person doesn’t protect their skin.
UVA and UVB rays are the most common types that affect our skin, and the most convenient way to protect our skin is with right sunscreen SPF sunblock. Since many types, such as SPF 10, 15, 30, 50, and 100, exist, it is not easy to select the right one. So, here is a guide for people who want to protect their skin from the sun's rays.
SPF 30 is suitable for normal and low outdoor exposure. It is the bare minimum type of sunblock one can apply when going out. The thing is, how much are you going to apply? Make sure you apply enough of it on the skin because that matters the most. Don’t go below SPF 30 because anything less than that will not be safe for the skin. It can block over 90% UVB rays. If you go for a broad-spectrum sunblock, it will work against UVA rays also. So, for people who barely go out or live in a region where the sunlight is low or moderate, it will be a good choice.
As the SPF number increases, the strength of protection also increases. However, it is more about proper application and reapplication after a couple of hours than relying solely on the SPF level. SPF 50 is suitable for long hours of outdoor movement. So, people who have to travel a lot during the day, especially in sunny regions, need this SPF level of sunblock. However, its reapplication after every couple of hours is mandatory. Since sunny weather causes too much perspiration, people need to use water-resistant sunblock. Yet, they will have to reapply it after a couple of hours to keep their skin safe from UVA and UVB rays.
· How Long Does SPF Last?
It could last only a couple of hours and needs reapplication, especially when swimming or sweating. If someone applies it on the beach, pool, or while walking somewhere, they will have to reapply it since water and perspiration reduce the performance. So, one has to keep the protective layer against UVA and UVB rays active. It must be a water-resistant and broad-spectrum type of sunblock for ultimate performance in sunny weather.
Choose SPF 50+, especially SPF 100, when you are about to face extreme UV rays for an extended period. Some regions are extremely sunny, so they require higher SPF levels and better application. With reapplications after every couple of hours, one can restore the protection level without worrying about the skin damage. Make sure to reapply the sunblock thoroughly by drying the face with a towel or paper towel. It will dry the skin to absorb the sunblock better.
· Is SPF 100 Too Much?
No, it is not too much because a higher SPF is better. However, SPF 100 does not guarantee full protection against UVB rays, which means you have to reapply it after a couple of hours. Also, SPF 50 or any level between 50 and 100 is a good choice. If you are about to go into extreme sunny weather, the SPF level must be above 30. Also, a thick coat is mandatory if you have insufficient coverage with a cap or umbrella.
A higher SPF level is usually better, and you should choose a 30 or higher SPF. However, it is more about the quantity and frequency of sunscreen than its SPF number. It is better to apply SPF 30 or SPF 50 thoroughly than to apply a higher level poorly. It is about better coverage and thickness than the higher SPF level. Therefore, choose the sunblock type based on the climate. If it is a normal or cold climate, you can go with a SPF level of 30 or lower. If it is a sunny region or hotter than usual, it is better to choose above SPF 50 for higher efficiency.
Always choose a cream-based sunscreen if your skin is dry. When selecting it in a skincare store, make sure you choose a sunblock that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These are the ingredients that will keep the skin moist and protect it from UV rays. Also, it should be a broad-spectrum sunblock for both A and B types of UV rays.
Make sure you don’t choose an alcohol-based sunblock, as it can cause flakiness. So, read the label before you choose it. Dry climate requires the same conditions for selection.
· Should I Have a Moisturizer Before Applying Dry Skin SPF?
It is better to apply a moisturizer before sunscreen because there will be a double coat on the skin. Moisturizer will lock in the moisture, and then the skin will get an additional layer of sunblock. It is a part of a daytime skincare routine that helps skin remain dry and UV-protected. Not applying moisturizer may make you feel a little dry because moisturizer locks in enough moisture your skin needs, especially in dry weather.
You will have to choose sunscreens that are non-comedogenic to reduce the risk of pores clogging. That means the sunblock will have to be light on skin and must be oil-free. It can give your skin a matte finish by controlling the excess oil on your skin. To get such results on oily skin, it is better to find a gel-based sunscreen.
Look for sunblock that contains hyaluronic acid and non-greasy ingredients if you have combination skin. It will keep the skin hydrated and will also reduce the excess oil release from pores. A gel-based formula that contains such ingredients will protect the skin without letting dry parts get flaky, and oily parts appear sticky.
If someone has sensitive skin, they need sunscreen that contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide protects from UVA rays, UVB rays, and also prevents acne outbreaks. In contrast, titanium dioxide protects mostly from UVB rays and some irritation.
Besides, choose mineral-based sunscreen with a water-resistant formula for hot weather. The irritation, rashes, and perspiration will be almost ineffective against mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
· Which SPF Level Do Dermatologists Recommend?
Usually, dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunblock for basic protection. However, they may recommend a higher SPF level and mineral-based sunblock to people with sensitive skin. It all depends on the skin type and condition, climate, and lifestyle of a person for the best recommendation.
There are plenty of ingredients that make a sunblock effective against UVA, UVB, water, and pollutants. However, some are special details one could look for when selecting sunblock for themselves.
· Niacinamide
· Ceramides
· Hyaluronic acid
· A broad-spectrum formula against both UVA and UVB rays
· Water-resistant formula against sea, pool, and perspiration water
There are some ingredients that make a sunblock harsh on the skin, especially for people with dry and sensitive skin. These ingredients can cause irritation, rashes, and inflammation if they react with certain types of skin.
· Fragrance
· Alcohol
· Phthalates
· Parabens
You should read the label when selecting a sunblock for yourself or someone else. The chemicals may cause problems for some or most people, depending on the percentage used in the production.
Both are popular in the skincare industry, but they offer slightly different results from each other. A mineral-based sunscreen reflects the UVB rays, which makes the skin feel less hot in the sun. However, it can leave a whitish appearance on the face because it doesn’t blend in. A mineral-based sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Besides, a chemical-based sunscreen absorbs UVB rays and converts them into heat. Also, it doesn’t leave a white layer on the skin because it blends with cosmetics easily. A chemical-based sunscreen contains chemicals like avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Not actually because sunscreen blocks UVB rays. These rays are essential for our skin for vitamin D. Some sunscreens allow only a negligible amount of UVB rays, which may produce some amount of vitamin D. However, if someone needs vitamin D, the best thing they should do is go for a walk in the early morning. You will not have to apply sunblock, and the sun rays will be mild and healthy for the skin.
And that’s how one can choose the best SPF for their skin and the climate they live in. There are multiple factors one has to look for, and the SPF level is the key. Besides, the ingredients contribute to the performance because not all ingredients fit all skin types. Some are hydrating, and some are oil-reducing chemicals that make sunblock effective on certain types of skin. Moreover, one has to reapply it because it wears off after a couple of hours due to sea/pool water and perspiration. Lastly, choosing a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunblock is mandatory, whether you choose SPF 30, 50, or 100.
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