While everyone should wear sunscreen all year, it is more crucial in the summer when the days are longer, the sun is stronger, and when people spend more time outside. If a person spends any time outside, they have probably heard at least one caution about the need to wear sunscreen. Using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum UV protection is highly recommended. Regardless of the weather, using sunscreen is critical since it is one of the most efficient ways to protect the skin from dangerous ultraviolet rays. The proper product can make all the difference, and today we will show how to choose a good sunscreen.

Tips to pick the perfect sunblock for your skin

1. Broad spectrum

This mark indicates that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer, are blocked by all sunscreens. UVA radiation, on the other hand, can cause skin cancer and premature aging. The term "broad spectrum" can only be applied to items that pass a specific test. Products that are not broad spectrum must state that they only protect against sunburn and do not protect against skin cancer or aging.

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2. SPF

A sun protection factor (SPF) number is printed on every bottle of sunscreen. The SPF indicates how much protection the product provides from the sun's rays. However, a greater SPF does not guarantee that the skin will be protected. A product with an SPF of 30 enables 3 percent of UV rays to hit and be absorbed by your skin, whereas a product with an SPF of 50 only allows 2 percent, a 50 percent difference. The issue is that by choosing a lotion with a higher SPF, one may believe that they are getting more protection and hence do not need to apply sunscreen as often.

Though an SPF30 should allow a person to spend 30 times more time in the sun than exposed skin, and an SPF50 should allow him to spend 50 times more time in the sun. It is possible that one will start burning far sooner than that. When someone sweats or swims, the sunscreen is washed away, and they lose protection. Therefore, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used by everyone. People who have fair skin should opt for 50.

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3. Skin type

Determine whether or not the skin is allergic to specific sunscreens, as different sunscreens include different chemicals. To ensure there are no skin irritants in the product, test it on the skin near the back of the ear lobe. People with sensitive skin should avoid sunscreens containing aphelia components, as well as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens.

People with dry skin should look for a sunscreen with an appropriate oil-based composition that moisturizes the skin without making it overly oily, which can lead to zits and other problems.

People with oily skin should apply a gel-based sunscreen or one of the many sun foundations available, which include soufflé-based, mousse-based, water-based, and other types.

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4. Water-resistant

Although water-resistant sunscreen can provide adequate protection for aquatic sports, it may not be ideal if someone is participating in a sport that causes the SPF to drip into your eyes. It is also worth noting that no sunscreen is completely waterproof. Water-resistance normally lasts 40 to 80 minutes before requiring reapplication of sunscreen.

5. Natural sunscreen

The majority of mineral-based sunscreens do not perform as effectively as sunscreens that contain chemicals as active components. Mineral-based sunscreens are often advertised as "natural." If someone is looking for an all-natural sunscreen, one study revealed that one with olive oil or coconut oil base offers the best protection. Sunscreens that employ olive oil or coconut oil as a base offer a natural SPF protection of roughly SPF 8, therefore they have a good natural SPF foundation.

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6. Cream sunscreen

Sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, sprays, and sticks. Creams are ideal for dry skin, sticks are great for around the eyes, and gels are best for hairy regions like the scalp. Sunscreen sprays can make it difficult to tell if someone has applied enough, and the fumes could be inhaled by children. Because some sprays are combustible, one must stay away from sparks or flames when applying them.

7. Active ingredients

Sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream, just like anything else put on the skin. That is why it is critical to choose a high-quality sunscreen that is made with natural components and maximizes UV protection. If a person has light or freckled skin, it is important to protect themselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. They have a tendency to burn easily. Even if the skin is dark and it has never burned, UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage and modify the DNA of the skin cells, putting an individual at risk for skin cancer.

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Xybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Avobenzon are all ingredients to avoid. Instead, search for mineral-based sunscreens like Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, which act as physical barriers to the sun. The sun's rays are deflected by minerals, so they never penetrate the skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb the photons and convert them to heat, which the skin then expels.

Bottom Line

Keep in mind that a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will protect the skin from 94 percent to 95 percent of UVB rays, while a sunscreen with an SPF of 28 would protect you from 96 percent of UVB rays.

If a person plans to be outside for an extended period of time, a higher SPF is recommended. Also, look for a sunscreen that is non-sticky or non-greasy, as this will keep the skin from sweating excessively. Choose a sunscreen with a natural or superfood active component and no harmful chemicals. Also, look for promises like "cruelty-free" and "vegan," as well as PETA certification."

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