In This Story:
If you are not one of The Flintstones (1960), you must know by now that using sunscreen every day is important. According to a study, global temperatures are set to increase by 2–5 °C in the next decade. This means more CO2 in the atmosphere, further depletion of the ozone layer, and heavier sun damage on your skin. Another research suggests that around 80–90% of skin cancer is caused by unhealthy and unprotected sun exposure. This proportion is only going to increase with the increasing temperatures.
The benefits of sunscreen are not just limited to protection from skin cancer, it also helps reduce tanning, hyperpigmentation, discolouration, dark spots, and other sun-related skin issues. If you have dry skin, there are sunscreens formulated with hydrating ingredients that moisture and protect.
Earlier, sunscreens used to be chemical sunscreens, the formulation would absorb the rays, convert them into heat and release them from the body. But with advancements in the beauty-tech industry, we now have physical or mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens don’t let the UV rays enter the skin, acting as a barrier that reflects the harm-inducing sunlight to the atmosphere, without ever penetrating the inner layers of the skin.
Who Should Wear Sunscreens?
Everyone. Each and every one of us should wear sunscreen every single day. Regardless of age, gender, race, and ethnicity, sunscreen is a must for all. According to a study, sun exposure in the early ages of your life, i.e., up to 15 years of age, can play an important role in causing melanoma in the later stages of your life. Hence, it is advised to parents that they introduce sunscreen to their children’s body care routine from the age of six. From the age of 5–6, everyone should apply sunscreen, even pregnant women.
Contrary to popular belief, even dark-skin-toned people must use sunscreen. People think because they have enough melanin in their bodies, they will not be harmed by the rays of the sun. However, according to a study, even people with darker skin need sunscreen. The formulation creates a filter around the body that doesn’t let the rays enter your skin, your natural melanin can’t offer this amount of protection.
When To Use Sunscreen?
If you are using a lotion, gel, or cream-based sunscreen, apply the sunscreen 15–20 minutes before stepping out in the sun during the day. The thing about UV rays and their power is that they also enter indoors. So, apply sunscreen (with a comparatively lower SPF) even if you are basking in natural sunlight indoors.
Several sunscreens are now available in the market which are sweat- and water-resistant, but this doesn’t mean they are water-proof. When you enter a pool or any water body, the effect of the sunscreen tends to get lost. Hence, after stepping out of the pool, immediately apply sunscreen to moisturise and protect your skin from water and sun damage.
What To Look For In A Sunscreen?
1. Texture: Sunscreens come in various textures, from gel- to cream-, water-, and oil-based. They also come in the form of lotions and balms, packaged in bottles or sticks. Depending on your skin type, choose a sunscreen that complements your needs. If you have dry skin, go for a cream or lotion; if you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a water-based sunscreen.
2. Application: There are sunscreens that you can apply as a base before your makeup, these sunscreens get absorbed into your skin and offer a protective shield, such as a cream or gel-based sunscreen. But for reapplication, don’t use a cream-based sunscreen, as it can move your makeup, choose between a sunscreen stick or a spray that settles on top of your glam look.
3. SPF: SPF or sun protection factor is the amount of protection your skin receives from a product. SPF 30 is the minimum protection you need from the sun. For a full day in the sun, go for SPF 50 with medium to high protection.
4. Formulation: There are two types of formulations available in sunscreen: chemical and physical. The former absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, which is later released from your body. The latter reflects the rays without ever letting them enter your skin. Physical sunscreens are made of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which create a protective barrier.
5. Resistance: If you sweat a lot, opt for a water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen, be mindful that water-resistant doesn’t mean water-proof so it simply doesn’t budge with a lot of sweat but easily wears off when washed.
Best Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin From Head To Toe
Here’s a list from us of the best sunscreens that not just protect your face but also the largest organ of your body – the skin.
Best Sunscreen For Face
Nykaa Recommends:
This multi-vitamin sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 50 with PA++++. It’s a photostable product that reverses the signs of prolonged sun damage while offering hydration without the white cast. It’s lightweight, spreads easily, and lasts long.
Nykaa Recommends:
With hyaluronic acid, octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and vitamin E, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-greasy, fragrance-free, and offers protection from blue light rays. It’s a super hydrating formula that doesn’t leave a white cast.
Best Sunscreen For Lips
Nykaa Recommends:
A lip balm can be two things, like this lip defence from Sebamed offers hydration and nourishment for dry and cracked lips while also protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Made with essential plant extracts such as jojoba and rice bran, this lip screen defends against UV rays and dryness.
Nykaa Recommends:
With the goodness of vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, 2% kojic acid, avocado oil, and pomegranate oil this lip screen lightens pigmented lips, reduces dryness, increases softness, and offers smoother, fuller lips. It is a vegan, cruelty-free formulation free from toxic ingredients.
Best Sunscreen For Hands
Nykaa Recommends:
With SPF 15, this body lotion with PA+++ reduces dark spots, diminishes tanning, and prevents premature skin ageing. The zinc oxide, niacinamide and vitamin E protect from sun damage, hydrate and brighten the skin without leaving any white cast.
Nykaa Recommends:
Formulated with vitamin E this product is ideal for daily use. It moisturises and nourishes your hands and softens your cuticles, nails, and skin. This non-greasy formula is quick-absorbent making your hands look younger and feel softer with every use.
Best Sunscreen For Feet
Nykaa Recommends:
This quick-absorbing formula increases collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and also protects from sun damage within minutes. It's great for oily skin types and also for a day in the sun and water, as it is also a water-resistant formula.
Nykaa Recommends:
With non-toxic, hybrid, and natural sun filters, carrot seed and raspberry extract, niacinamide, and five non-comedogenic moisturising agents this product not only replenishes your skin hydration but also offers ultimate sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++.
Best Sunscreen For Reapplication
Nykaa Recommends:
This easy-to-apply sunscreen spray prevents tanning, sunburns, skin ageing, and photodamage. Made with niacinamide, glycerin, and red algae extract it protects your skin without moving your makeup, making it ideal for reapplication.
Nykaa Recommends:
This on-the-go sun protection is all the rage right now, especially from the Gen-Z-approved brand – Dot & Key. This watermelon-infused sunscreen stick is packed with strawberries, hyaluronic acid, ceramides & UV filters, and is made for easy reapplication and works well over makeup without making your skin feel greasy.
FAQs
1. Which is the best sunscreen for the face and body?
Minimalist SPF 50 PA ++++ Sunscreen, Wishcare Sunscreen Body Lotion, NIVEA Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50 are all good sunscreens for the face and body.
2. What SPF is the best?
Opt for an SPF 30 for mild protection on your face and body and an SPF 40–50 for moderate to high protection.
3. Can I use sunscreen every day?
Yes, you must use sunscreen every day. It protects your skin from sun damage and also protects and nourishes your skin from other environmental stressors.
