How to choose the most effective sunscreen

To choose a good sunscreen that is suitable for each skin type requires you to have certain knowledge about sun protection...

The higher the SPF, the better?

Most of us tend to think that the higher the SPF number on the bottle, the better the sunscreen. Yes, it is a fact that no one can deny, you should not choose a sunscreen with SPF under 15. However, you do not necessarily have to choose a sunscreen with SPF over 90 because it does not necessarily have a higher sun protection ability, or stay on the skin longer or is more effective. For best results, you should choose a sunscreen with SPF over 15 and under 50.

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Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF is a measure of how long a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, the type of ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. Typically, only about 25% of the sunscreen you apply is effective, so the protection is significantly reduced. Therefore, you should choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays can burn the skin, UVA rays penetrate deeper, leading to wrinkles and skin diseases.

Understand the difference

In case you are wondering between sweat and waterproof or sweat and water-resistant, you should know that there is a law that prohibits sunscreen companies from using the terms sweatproof and waterproof. So now you can only choose sunscreens that are sweat and water resistant. So if you are going to be outside, choose a sunscreen that is water resistant, it will protect you for up to 80 minutes until you need to reapply.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin or skin disease, you should choose sunscreen for children to avoid negative effects on your skin. Because sunscreen for children contains less stimulants, chemicals of all kinds than formulas for adults. Besides, you should also avoid choosing sunscreen containing perfume or alcohol.

Broad spectrum

One important thing to look for when choosing a sunscreen is whether it says broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection. Both rays are dangerous and can cause skin cancer, so it’s a good idea to find out which rays your sunscreen protects against. While UVB rays can cause sunburn, UVA rays are responsible for wrinkles.

Spray sunscreen or cream sunscreen, which is better?

Spray sunscreens are becoming more and more popular. They may seem more convenient and quicker, but they are actually not as effective as cream sunscreens. Furthermore, many experts believe that spray sunscreens can cause allergic reactions or poisoning if you accidentally inhale them.

Once you have chosen the right sunscreen for your skin, you also need to know how to use it properly to achieve the best results:

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Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before

To apply sunscreen properly and effectively, you should apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going out.

Apply sunscreen without wearing clothes

You should apply sunscreen before putting on clothes or swimwear to ensure that all the skin on your body is protected by sunscreen. Do not think that the body parts covered by clothes will not be harmed as UV rays can penetrate the fabric and have a bad effect on your skin.

Apply sunscreen – a step in makeup

For girls who wear makeup, you can use sunscreen as a foundation right after the primer. We often think that foundations that include sunscreen are enough, but in fact, the sunscreen function in multi-purpose foundations is just secondary because it is not the main function of the product, so sunscreen is still the most optimal tool to help protect the skin.

Massage when applying sunscreen

You should not rush to apply sunscreen because this will cause the cream to not be absorbed evenly across the face. If you often work outdoors, you should increase the use of sunscreen on the face. Remember to apply to both ears, hairline, front and back of the neck.

Avoid water when using sunscreen.

Because water will greatly reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen. Therefore, when using sunscreen, you should not bathe, or if you bathe, you need to dry your body and apply sunscreen immediately after.

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