Most of us tend to skip putting on sunscreen during winters, but sunlight is equally harmful regardless of the weather or season. Besides preventing sunburn and damage, sunscreens do an excellent job at improving your skin's overall health while reducing the chances of experiencing uneven skin tone, dark spots, wrinkles, and even discolouration. Also, if you visit high-altitude regions such as hill stations, you should apply an extra layer of sunscreen as you are somewhat closer to the sun. Using sunscreen will only be beneficial in the long run, and this buying guide will help you find the right one.
Broad Spectrum Protection is a Must
All sunscreens are formulated differently – and while some offer only UVA (longer wavelength) or UVB (shorter wavelength) protection, others protect against both plus infrared and visible light – which is a better choice. Similarly, each sunscreen comes with its SPF level, but the minimum should be at least 30, and the higher the SPF goes, the more effective it is. Therefore, buyers must make sure they go for broad-spectrum protection sunscreens as they are more effective. However, you should always apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply it every few hours during the day, especially if venturing out in direct sunlight.
Always Check the Ingredients
When buying any beauty or skincare products, it is essential to check the ingredients, so you know you're only feeding the best to your skin – and the same goes for sunscreen. Buyers should only choose sunscreen formulated with high-quality ingredients and suitable for sensitive skin. It must not contain any parabens, alcohol, chemicals, additives, and artificial fragrance. Some brands offer non-comedogenic (does not block pores) and non-acnegenic (does not cause spots) sunscreens which are best suited for acne and allergy-prone skin. If preferred, buyers can even go for vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens.
What Else to Keep in Mind?
It is important to remember that face creams or lotions with some SPF protection are not an alternative to sunscreens and don't do a great job at protecting you from sun damage. Buyers must go for a sunscreen with fast absorption that doesn't feel sticky, is waterproof, and has a streak-free application. However, for better results, one should choose a sunscreen suited for their specific skin type, such as dry, oily, or combination. Another thing a buyer should consider is selecting a dermatologically-tested sunscreen formulated by a professional & trusted brand.
Categories Simillar to Sunscreens includes Lip Sunscreens, Self-Tanning and Tan Enhancers & Accelerators