6 things you should look out for in a sunscreen

Pick the right SPF

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Before even considering choosing formats and textures, like creams or sticks, the most important thing is to pick the right sun protection factor or SPF. This is expressed as a number: eg SPF 30, SPF 50, etc. The higher the number, the higher the protection. To make the right choice, consider the conditions of exposure (time, altitude, latitude, season) as well as your skin type. The sun protection factor should never be overlooked, as it’s crucial to make sure skin has the right level of protection from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, which are notably responsible for premature skin ageing.

Choosing the right texture

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Texture and application methods are more subjective. With lotions, creams, oils, sprays, mists and sticks, there are loads of options to choose from. Pick a texture that you find pleasant and suits your needs, as a mismatched formulation can affect the frequency of application.

For example, people who don’t like sticky textures will tend to avoid reapplying sunscreens with stickier textures – putting themselves at greater risk of the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. That said, make sure you pick a format with an SPF that suits your lifestyle and protection needs, as some types only go up to SPF 30.

Oils and lotions are good options for anyone looking for a slightly satiny effect on their skin, whereas thicker creams are more suited to drier skin types or those who prefer higher protection. On the other hand, sunscreens that come in the form of mists or sprays are usually more popular as they are ideal for quick reapplication with minimal stickiness.

SPF in your makeup is not enough

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While some foundations, powders and bronzers may have a built-in SPF, it still does not provide adequate protection to protect your skin from sun damage. Therefore, it’s important not to rely on beauty products alone for sun protection.

Brands today offer combination products for the body and face, but specific facial sunscreens also exist, with special formulations for greater comfort. Gels and sticks are often the most suitable textures for this part of the body, although certain creams have additional properties (hydrating, anti-ageing, anti-dark spots, anti-pollution) and can easily be worn under the day’s makeup.

Choosing between physical and chemical sunscreens

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Sun protection can come in the form of physical and chemical sunscreens. But what’s the difference between the two?

First and foremost, physical or mineral sunscreens are created with active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They create a physical barrier to block and reflect UV rays before they hit the skin’s surface. The mineral particles from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the skin work instantly – so there’s no need to apply 15 or 20 minutes before sun exposure. However, the cons of using physical sunscreen is that the zinc oxide gives darker skin an unflattering whitish to greyish hue, which also contributes to the sallowness in deeper skin tones.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are made of organic chemical compounds. Instead of deflecting UV rays, these sunscreens act like sponges, absorbing UV light and converting it into heat that dissipates from the surface of your skin. Some of the common ingredients found in sunscreen include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate. These sunscreens are typically lightweight and easy to apply, and don’t leave a white cast, but you will need to apply them at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. However, the downside of using a chemical sunscreen is that it may not suitable for those with sensitive skin as it can irritate the skin, and since it’s absorbed into the skin, it may also not be suitable for pregnant women and children.

Avoid harsh ingredients

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Most of the time, we get distracted by the latest products that come in the fanciest packaging. However, it is still important to pick out a sunscreen that serves your skin well. In summary, you should definitely avoid sunscreen that contains harsh ingredients. These include ingredients that come with added fragrances, chemicals and dyes. This is because these additional ingredients do not contribute to the efficacy of sunscreen and overall, it can be irritating to the skin.

Opt for ‘Broad Spectrum’ formulas

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Now that you’re more informed about sunscreens, it’s also key that you look out for sunscreens that come with a broad spectrum formula. This means that you should keep an eye out for those offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This is mainly because both UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the skin, so it’s key that you protect yourself from the harmful rays.