Are you confused with all the sunscreen emerging on the market like a mushroom? All those detail about the ingredients used, water resistant, sun protection factor and all those stuffs, confused about what really look for in the sunscreen. The answer is simple and we have it.
Many day to day moisturizers and after-shave lotions have sunscreen in them (around spf-15+), which might be sufficient for indoor activities or here and there for few minutes in the sun. However, if you are looking for outdoor activities you may need stronger broad-spectrum sunscreen with higher SPF with added “water-resistant” or “very water resistant” according to your need. Most of the sunscreen available today in the market combines several physical and chemical blockers to give better broad-spectrum protection.
Look for highly effective ingredients
Although there are several ingredients in the sunscreen, always look for “active ingredients”. Above all highly effective ingredients include physical blocker like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and chemical blockers like avobenzone. Look for the sunscreen that contains above ingredients as active ingredients.
Go for Broad-Spectrum
Most of the sunscreens that protect both UVA and UVB are labeled as broad-spectrum sunscreen. Always choose the sunscreen that is labeled as broad-spectrum. May also be labeled as total protection or complete protection.
Go for Higher SPF
When you buy any sunscreen always buy sunscreen with at-least SPF of 30+, the more the better. Although some people may not agree on this fact, but since most individuals don’t apply adequate amount of sunscreen as tested in the lab for specific SPF, they can only get half of the protection. It’s a fact that if the sunscreen with SPF 30 can protect you 96% than SPF 45 can protect you 97%, just little difference, but this difference in long run can make a major impact on your skin.
Watch out for UVA protection PA+++ Rating
Currently many of the sunscreen uses Japanese rating standard which are marked with PA and plus sign, PA+. PA simply means Protection Grade of UVA rays. Protective grade of sunscreen is often leveled as PA+, PA++, PA+++ with the more plus sign the more protection from UVA rays. This article will detail you more on UVA and PA+ grading system.
SPF and PA+++ Rating in Sunscreen: What does it Indicate?
sun exposure
Check for expiration date
Although a bottle of sunscreen usually don’t last more than a year if used properly, it is very important to check for expiration date before you purchase any sunscreen. Most sunscreens that may or may not be labeled with expiration date have around 3 year’s shelf life. Sunscreens that expire before 3 years are usually labeled with expiration date. See more for details
To insure that you get full SPF of your sunscreen, it is very important to apply a thick layer of sunscreen to any areas that are exposed to sun. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Most of the people ingnore the reapplication part, but this is very important, so don’t forget to reapply the same amount every two hours. You must also reapply immediately after swimming, toweling off, or excessive sweating so you get total protection.
Here are few tips related to sunburn
What to do for Sunburn
Home Remedies For Sunburn
How To Stop Peeling From Sunburn
Final words:
Try to avoid the sun during peak hours between 11 am to 4 pm and always wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses and long sleeves if possible when you are out in the sun.
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