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It is a common knowledge that we have to slather ourselves with sunscreen before we go out in the sun. So most of us religiously stock up on sunscreens. Makes sense really, but choosing the right kind of product can be quite a task, given the number of types of sunscreen lotion and creams available out there.
Very few of us really bother about what goes into a sunscreen, or how they might affect our various skin types. The sunscreens have two types of ingredients that work together to block the sun. First there are the chemical blocks that organic compound chemicals absorbed by the skin, which nullify the sun's reaction on skin. Then there are the physical blocks that sit on skin's surface and act as barriers that either absorb the rays or deflect it back.
When buying a sunscreen look for ingredients like benzophenones, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, salicylates, cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), mexoryl etc.
What's Your SPF
First of all, both sunscreen and sunblock refer to the same product. The only difference is that sunblocks have SPF that is 30 and above, while Sunscreens can range from SPF 2 to SPF 30.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to 50. SPF is actually the sunscreen's ability to deflect the burning rays. It is a good idea to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 year-round for all skin types. However picking the SPF strength depends on the number of hours you spend daily out in the sun. According to Dr Blossom Kochhar, Aromatherapist, most Indian skin types in the heat of the summer can pick up sunscreen with SPF 20.
Pick your Type
There are various types of sunscreens available that match different skin types of the users. "It is very important for you to pick the right sunscreen that is meant for your skin type. Using the wrong type of sun protection cream may lead to rashes, allergies and even pimples," informs Kochhar.
So if you have oily skin or combination skin type, then pick up gel sun protection formula. If you have dry skin, then look for a lotion formula that hydrates and protects your skin. If your skin is sensitive then pick sunscreens with PABA and benzophenones but no alcohol.
American Academy of Dermatology suggests using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. With the stress on natural products there are some natural sunscreens available but Kochhar who herself has a natural range says that sunscreens with only natural ingredients do not offer sun protection for a long time. However some of the popular natural ingredients that go into making a sunscreen include Aloe gel, sandalwood, oil of wintergreen etc.
Tips
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Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out.
- Reapply if you have sweated since it washes out the sunscreen.
- During high summer wear sunscreen with minimum of SPF 20 even if you are indoors.
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