You are exposed to UV rays all year round, even on cloudy days or when you are inside your house. UV rays are highly penetrating. It can pass through the clouds and windows to affect you. It can also penetrate the water surface, so you can still get sunburn even when you are in the water and feeling cool. Considering your skin is exposed to UV rays constantly, it is crucial to protect it to avoid cumulative sun damage that can lead to skin cancer or photodamage signs like dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Ingredients in sunscreen protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun. Choosing the correct sunscreen, on the other hand, isn’t that easy. 

This article offers advice on protecting your skin using the most effective sunscreens in India for your skin type.

How to Select a Sun Protection Cream?

Continuous exposure to UV radiation makes your skin prone to many issues. Skin damage, wrinkles, sunburn, and skin cancer are possible side effects. Since we cannot avoid sun exposure, we should use sunscreen to protect our skin.

Sunscreen prevents sunburn and reduces the appearance of tan by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation. So, what criteria should you consider while making a decision?

Here’s where you should start:

#1 BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN 

Purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA radiation can cause skin damage and accelerated ageing, while UVB radiation is the source of most skin malignancies like skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide optimum protection from both of these rays.

 #2 SPF FACTOR 

SPF is not directly proportional to the length of time spent in the sun but the impact or severity of that exposure. 

Consider: The following exposures are likely to produce the same amount of solar energy: 15 minutes at 2:00 p.m. and one hour at 9:00 a.m. Because the sun is more powerful at midday than at other times, it takes less time to be exposed to the same amount of solar radiation as in the early morning or late evening.

Dermatologists recommend using a sun protection cream with a minimum of SPF 30. As the SPF value increases, so does the level of protection against sunburn. 

Take a look at this SPF scale.

SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, and SPF 100 about 99%. The difference gets smaller as you go higher.

#3 WATER AND SWEAT RESISTANT LABELS

All pool party-goers and sports enthusiasts will love water-resistant and sweat-proof sunscreen. People who live in hot areas, spend a lot of time doing water activities, or sweat a lot should use these. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Sports Super-Stay Sunscreen SPF 70 provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB radiation protection. The water and sweat-resistant composition of this sunscreen in India make it an excellent choice for aquatic and outdoor activities. The sunscreen develops a protective layer over the skin, protecting it against sunburn, brown spots, and pigmentation issues. 

#4 SUITABLE FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

It can be complicated to choose between a cream, a gel, a spray, or a sunscreen lotion. Here is a simple guide to help you decide what consistency will suit your skin type.

Skin Type: Normal  

Choose a sunscreen that is light and non-greasy for normal skin. It will make your skin feel breathable and balanced. You can also choose according to the weather. Opt for a gel-based sunscreen in summer and a cream-based one in winter. 

You can also try gel-cream sunscreen like Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen MatteGEL Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++. Its lightweight, gel-like formulation doesn’t leave any white cast on the face, and SPF 50 protects from harmful rays of the sun.

Skin Type: Oily 

Sticky sunscreens might clog pores and induce severe acne breakouts. A gel-based matte product that won’t leave your skin shiny or congested is what you will need. 

Use Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Vitamin-C MatteGEL Daily Sunscreen SPF 50, specially crafted for oily skin. This paraben-free sunscreen has a unique oil-free formula that provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. Its anti-pollution property protects the skin from external aggressors that can further aggravate acne problems for oily skin. 

Skin Type: Dry 

Look for sunscreens with hydrating properties if you have dry skin. Avocado-based products are high in natural oils and provide complete nourishment. Try Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Silk Touch Mattifying UV Crème with SPF 50 for an ultra-smooth, silky texture, and adequate broad-spectrum sun protection.

Skin Type: Combination 

This is the most common skin type; thus, many sunscreen alternatives are available. Choosing a sunblock lotion that is not too greasy and provides adequate nourishment is advisable.

Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-In-1 Matte Look Daily Sunblock SPF-40 is ideal for combination skin.

#5 CHECK INGREDIENTS ON THE LABEL

Many sunscreens are loaded with chemicals that can harm our skin over time and lead to significant skin problems. Switching to natural sunscreens that filter the damaging rays of the sun is a healthier choice. SPF qualities in aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile help to protect you from harmful UV radiation. They also moisturise the skin’s deep layers, making it look and feel better.

How do you apply sunscreen correctly?

When used correctly, sunscreens are pretty effective. Follow these guidelines to get the best protection:

• Apply sunscreen generously 15 minutes before going out.
• Do not miss covering your ears, mouth, face, back of your hands, and other places not covered by clothing.
• Adopt the two-finger rule for application. Begin by squeezing sunscreen along the length of two fingers and then applying it to your face, neck, and other exposed body parts. Massage it in rather than smoothing it on.
• Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours for optimum protection. Sunscreens can wash off when you sweat or swim and then wipe off with a towel, so you need to reapply more often.

Conclusion

In addition to applying sunscreen to protect your skin, it is also strongly recommended that you keep your skin covered as much as possible to avoid sun damage like tan, sunburn, acne, hyperpigmentation etc. Sunscreen in India is available in the form of lotions, creams, gels, and sprays. Pick what suits you best and protect your skin.

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