Most individuals enthusiastically wait to spend some time at the beach, in backyards, or at the lake throughout the warmer and scorching days. Moreover, increased exposure to UV rays can have a bad impact on your skin. It can be responsible for sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin decline or ageing. So, among the most successful methods to keep early ageing, pigmentation, and other skin problems away is using the best sunscreen cream for the face.
What is Sunscreen Cream?
Sunscreen cream is your protective covering next to skin ageing and pigmentation. It is a lotion or cream that you apply onto the skin to safeguard it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The sun emits two dangerous UV rays, such as UVA and UVB. UVA rays can enter the skin’s internal layers and cause wrinkles and ageing. While, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, redness and skin cancer. This skincare product has many ingredients to save it from ultraviolet radiation, stopping it from entering your skin. The ability of these products to safeguard the skin against UVA and UVB differs. Thus, there are a number of sunscreen types, and the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) evaluates their effectiveness.
What are UV and SPF?
UV is the radiation of the sun that can get through clothing and enter the skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the measurement of a sunscreen’s efficiency. For instance, an SPF 15 sunscreen can safeguard the skin 15 times more. It is important to note that while SPF evaluates UVB rays only, UPF assesses UVB and UVA rays. However, UVA rays constitute 95% of the UV rays coming to the earth’s surface.
A sunscreen cream involves different ingredients to stop UV rays from entering and harming the skin. They contain zinc oxide and various components that create a thin cover or film that takes up UV radiation before it penetrates the skin.
What are the Different Types of Sunscreen Cream?
There are two main types of sunscreen cream:
A. Physical Blockers
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are common physical blockers. They make a protective layer, safeguarding the skin from dangerous UV rays. This physical blocker stops the entry of UV radiation, saving the skin from possible damage.
B. Chemical Absorbers
Chemical absorbers such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate make a secure covering that takes in UV rays, stopping them from getting into the skin. These components are prominent in sunscreens for successful shielding from the sun.
What is the Meaning of Different SPF Ratings?
The present market offers sunscreens with different SPF ratings. So, what does SPF signify on sunscreen? The Sun Protection Factor shows the level of safety next to the sun’s UVB rays. For instance, SPF 15 can stop 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 can prevent 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%.
Once you understand the significance of SPF, it is essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion, which safeguards the skin against UVA and UVB rays. The impacts of these rays might protrude as both can develop early ageing and burns. Moreover, UVA rays can cause dark patches and fine lines, whereas UVB rays are accountable for skin cancer and sunburns.
What is PA, and What Are its Levels on Sunscreen?
PA indicates the protection grade of sunscreen’s UVA. It is the index for evaluating the ability to secure the body against UVA rays. Many skincare products include PA ratings. Their packaging shows the PA indicator with the “+” sign, which generally has 4 levels. These are PA+, PA++, PA+++, and PA++++. The indication may not be visible in a few sunscreens, but they abridge it as UVA-UVB, UVA/UVB, UVA1, or UVA2.
How to Select the Best Sunscreen Cream for Your Skin?
The best sunscreen cream is the one that you feel comfortable with on a regular basis. Several individuals generally ask, does it make your skin radiant? Normally, it stops UV rays from harming the skin. Thus, it may enhance your skin’s look. You can follow below criteria to select an appropriate product for your skin type:
A. For Regular Protection
Choose a lotion that easily spreads onto your skin, leaving no trace and giving an attractive glow. Go for one that works as a makeup primer, assuring flawless application for a bright and protected skin tone.
B. For Sensitive Skin
Choose an ultra-lightweight product for a protective, matte finish that relaxes the skin. Check for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for good safety from the sun and an easy feel.
C. For Calming Breakouts
Select an oil-free product that not just covers your skin from detrimental sun rays but also successfully soothes burning and cures acne. Give preference to a multifunctional solution for a secure and good complexion.
D. For Work-from-Home Days
When indoors, choose a hydrating formula for all-inclusive safety. It safeguards against UVA, UVB rays, and blue light from screens and the sun, assuring your skin stays shielded and nurtured.
How to Apply Sunscreen Cream?
You can save your skin from cancer and premature ageing by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Here are important pointers for the correct usage:
- Apply it fifteen minutes prior to going outdoors to let the skin absorb it.
- Apply enough quantity on the skin. Many dermatologists recommend using at least 1 ounce to defend the uncovered body parts.
- Cover the lips with lip balm of an SPF 15.
- When swimming or sweating a lot, you must reapply it every two hours.
- UV rays can reverse snow, surfaces, and clouds, so applying the lotion is a must, even in cloudy weather.
Summary
Now, you know that sunscreen cream is an essential skincare product. When looking for sunscreen, make sure it has an SPF of 30 or even higher. Also, select one that offers broad-spectrum safety to cover your skin from UVA and UVB rays. So, if you are looking for the best product to save your skin from sunburn and harmful rays, have a look at the Lakme Salon’s best collection.