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By now you’ve heard that wearing sunscreen (even on cloudy days during the winter months) is the most effective way to protect your skin from sun damage, early onset aging, and even skin cancer. You probably also know that you should be using a broad-spectrum formulation (meaning it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays) with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
Choosing a sunscreen, however, can be difficult since there are so many different types to choose from. There are two types of sunscreen formulations to choose from – physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Some products are a hybrid of both types.
A physical sunscreen (sometimes called mineral sunscreen or sunblock) uses minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to deflect UV rays away from the skin. These formulations literally sit on the skin and block or scatter UV radiation before it can penetrate the skin.
There are several benefits of using a physical sunscreen:
However, there are some cons to physical sunscreen:
Chemical sunscreens (sometimes called chemical absorbers) use chemical carbon compounds that convert UV radiation to heat, which is later released from the body. Common ingredients of chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Some benefits of chemical sunscreens include the following:
Drawbacks of chemical sunscreens:
A sunscreen labelled as a broad spectrum will have compounds which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Therefore, broad-spectrum sunscreens show up double actions on the skin with a mix of both organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) compounds.
The most common ingredients of the broad spectrum are zinc dioxide, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, octylmethyl, and salicylates.
So, for its dual nature, this type of sunscreen is highly recommended.
Skin type:
All skin types are suitable for these type of sunscreens
These creamy textured sunscreens are not a good option for summers or if you have oily skin. Basically, if you sweat a lot and if your skin produces more oil then this type of sunscreen is not yours. A single dab of cream also looks like too much because of its heavy texture.
These creamy sunscreens are foes to water and oil. So, in extreme hot weathers or humid places, these sunscreens are not a perfect match. Furthermore, they leave a white cast on the skin which appears to be odd and insane.
However, these sunscreens might not be perfect options for summers but they are really a great option for winters giving a matte look.
Skin type:
Dry to combination skin types
With a lightweight formula, these gel sunscreens are ideal for summers. These are transparent and very light on the skin.
Unlike creams, these gel type of sunscreens are not foes to sweat or oils. These hydrating sunscreens keep the skin moist and supple.
Surprisingly, gel sunscreens don’t leave a white cast on the skin.
Skin type:
Particularly recommended for oily skin. People with dry skin also can use in summers.
Powder sunscreens are a good option if you’re wearing makeup and heading out in the hot sun. Because you need to re-apply sunscreen every 4 hrs and what if you’re wearing makeup? How could you apply? If you apply creams, gels or lotions it might give a cakey appearance.
This extremely light product is a must try especially in humid places, if you sweat much and if your skin produces more oils.
Skin type:
This flawless powder sunscreen is recommended for all skin types
These type of sunscreens are ultimately best body lotions. Like creams, these lotions are also suitable for winters giving a matte look.
Lotions have moisturizing properties which can keep the skin hydrated and moist for long hours.
Although, there are also some lotions which are light on the skin.
Skin type:
Dry and normal skin people
Sprays are more convenient to use when you’re rushing out or when you’re so tired to apply & rub sunscreen all over the skin.
These sprays fastly absorb into the skin because of they very light, and non-greasy texture. Also, they’re sweat and water resistant.
Skin type:
For dry and wet skin
Seems like you don’t need any makeup products after the discovery of such tinted sunscreens. What do you say?
Also, on daily basis, when you head to college, school, office or any workplace you need not apply makeup always and waste a lot of time for the makeover. Just dab on these tinted sunscreens and enjoy the impressive effects.
In the end, the best type of sunscreen for you could depend on the specific situation your skin will be put under. If you plan on performing physical activity outdoors (like hiking or jogging on the beach) you may want to opt for a chemical sunscreen as it’s more resistant to sweat. However, a physical sunscreen may be better suited for casual day-to-day activity. Bottom line find a sunscreen you don’t mind the look and feel of, therefore you will be more apt to using it.
Incidental vs. intense exposure:
For starters, the kind of sunscreen you use may vary depending on the type of outdoor exposure you are expecting. For incidental sun exposure — when you are outside only for minutes at a time — a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, which filters out about 93 percent of UV radiation, is usually sufficient. Your sunscreen should have broad spectrum protection, meaning it effectively protects against significant portions of both the ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) ranges of the light spectrum. Most broad-spectrum formulas contain multiple sunscreen ingredients. For extended, intense exposure, you should use a broadspectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF 30 filters out up to 97 percent of the sun’s UV radiation; SPF 50 filters out up to 98 percent.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an important part of a sun protection regimen that should also include seeking the shade, avoiding UV tanning, and wearing protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. By educating yourself about your many sunscreen options, you can be confident that the product you choose will fit your particular needs, offering you the best protection from the sun’s harmful rays — and helping to ensure that you use it regularly. After all, the sunscreen you apply consistently is the best sunscreen of all.