If you’re someone who only thinks about sunscreen when stepping outside or wonders if it’s necessary every day, this article is your guide.

As summer hits full swing, and the sun becomes brighter, it’s time to talk about a skincare essential: Sunscreen! If you’re still using it only when you leave home, or questioning if it’s a daily necessity, this one’s for you. Now, understand the basics of your best sunny companion.

Summer is here, and in India, we want to make sure you’re all set to tackle tanning and sun damage. Sunscreen is your go-to checklist item for this season. So, time to unravel the secrets of this skincare superhero and make sure you’re well-prepared for the sunny days ahead. Say hello to a summer full of protection and radiant skin with our Sunscreen guide!

What do you mean by Sunscreen?

Sunscreen shields your skin from sun damage caused by UV rays when applied to the skin’s surface. It comes in lotions, creams, and gels, working by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays. Regular use not only protects your skin but also contributes to a youthful and healthy appearance.

Moreover, sunscreen offers significant benefits, which we’ll explore in detail shortly. Available in various SPF levels, it protects different strengths of sunlight. For optimal effectiveness, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen at regular intervals throughout the day.

Different Types Of Sunscreen

Certainly, sunscreen is a crucial product in our skincare routine. While we enjoy our time in the sun, the UV rays can harm our skin. That’s where sunscreen steps in, protecting us from tanning, pigmentation, and premature aging. In the market, you’ll find two main types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, sit on the skin’s surface and directly block UV rays. They work by bouncing the sun’s rays back into the air. Ingredients like titanium and zinc oxide help in this process. However, most mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white layer, which may not look great on deeper or dusky skin tones.

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, or homosalate. These components act like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. After absorption, they transform the UV rays into heat, releasing it from the body to prevent harm to the skin.

What Do you mean by SPF?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is like a shield for your skin against the sun’s UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the better your protection. For example, SPF 15 provides about 93% protection, while SPF 50 can give up to 98% protection from the sun. Experts recommend choosing sunscreens with SPF 30-50 or higher.

It’s important to know that no sunscreen offers 100% protection. For complete safety, you’ll need more than just sunscreen. SPF measures the solar energy that could cause your skin to burn. Remember, SPF wears off every 3-4 hours, so reapplying is crucial. Sun exposure varies during the day, with the highest around midday. That’s why using a high-SPF sunscreen is safest during this time.

Broad Spectrum? What is this?

Broad Spectrum means comprehensive sun protection, shielding your skin from various types of sun rays. On Earth, different rays, like UVA and UVB, are culprits for skin damage. UVA ages your skin, while UVB causes sunburns. Opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures defense against both, offering optimal protection. Look for the Protection Grade (PA) on your sunscreen, specifically indicating UVA protection. Ratings like PA+ to PA++++ denote the levels of shielding your sunscreen provides.

Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen

Distinguishing between mineral and chemical sunscreen involves considering various factors:

1. Protection Approach: Mineral sunscreen acts as a reflector, creating a shield on the skin. In contrast, chemical sunscreen efficiently absorbs UV rays, transforming them into heat and releasing it from the body.

2. Consistency: Mineral sunscreen typically has a dense, creamy texture, while chemical sunscreen adopts a clear, gel-like consistency that feels light and airy on the skin.

3. Suitability: Mineral sunscreens may leave a white cast on the skin due to their thicker texture, making blending challenging. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens are non-sticky and lightweight, ideal for daily use. Those with acne-prone, sensitive, or oily skin may find chemical sunscreens more suitable as they don’t clog pores.

If you’re considering incorporating chemical sunscreen into your routine, explore Foxtale’s Cover-Up Sunscreen. With SPF 50+, broad-spectrum protection, and PA++++, it’s perfect for daily wear. This sunscreen not only applies smoothly, absorbing quickly into the skin but also leaves a dewy finish—a true delight for those with dry skin!

Benefits Of Using Sunscreen?

Using sunscreen is a fundamental aspect of daily skincare, offering various benefits beyond shielding the skin from harmful UV rays. This essential beauty practice is widely recognized, yet some still overlook the importance of applying SPF, both outside and at home. Understanding the multifaceted advantages of sunscreen emphasizes its significance in a consistent skincare routine.

1. Preventing Premature Aging:Regular application of sunscreen plays a crucial role in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and slowing down the aging process. By consistently applying sunscreen, you can effectively combat these effects, promoting younger-looking skin.

2. Decreasing the Risk of Skin Cancer:Research indicates that the use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing cell carcinoma. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the likelihood of skin cancer, as UV rays can damage skin cells. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier, minimizing this risk and safeguarding against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

3. Addressing Hyperpigmentation: Sunscreen is a valuable ally in treating hyperpigmentation and achieving an even skin tone. Excessive sun exposure is a common cause of hyperpigmentation, and applying sunscreen over treatment products like AHA’s, Vitamin C serums, or retinol enhances their efficacy.

4. Reducing Skin Inflammation:Prolonged sun exposure often leads to skin inflammation, manifesting as redness and irritation. Sunscreen acts as a preventive measure, creating a protective barrier that minimizes the impact of UV rays on the skin.

5. Preventing Dryness and Maintaining Skin Health:Sunscreen serves as a barrier against UV-induced dryness, preserving the skin’s moisture levels. Dry skin is more prone to various issues, including irritation and premature aging. Regular use of sunscreen ensures that the skin remains adequately moisturized, contributing to overall skin health.

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine goes beyond sun protection; it is a proactive step toward maintaining the health and vitality of your skin.

Consequences of Avoiding Sunscreen

Neglecting sunscreen can have severe repercussions on our skin, particularly as the impact of UV rays intensifies due to the thinning ozone layer. Sunscreen is no longer a skippable item in our skincare regimen, and finding a suitable one eliminates any excuses for not using it. To avert the adverse effects on your skin, it’s important to incorporate sunblock into your routine.

1. Sunburns:Excessive sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns, with severe cases causing blistering and skin irritation. Employing a high SPF sunscreen forms a protective layer, preventing inflammation and burns.

2. Telangiectasias:This condition involves broken blood vessels, often arising from exposure to UV rays. Telangiectasias encompass issues like rosacea, genetics, and aging, emphasizing the role of sunscreen in averting such skin concerns.

How to Use Sunscreen

The debate on proper sunscreen application persists, yet it’s a straightforward process. The general guideline advises applying half a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and neck. To simplify, experts propose the two/three-finger rule: cover two or three fingers with sunscreen, dot it over your face, and gently massage it for comprehensive coverage. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before leaving home, making it the final step in your skincare routine, with makeup applied afterward.

Who Should Wear Sunscreen

Anyone exposed to the sun or direct sunlight should use sunscreen. Whether outdoors or indoors with sunlight streaming through windows, sunscreen is essential for safeguarding your skin.

How Often to Reapply Sunscreen & How

For prolonged sun exposure, reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Sunscreens combat UV rays continuously, but their efficacy diminishes over time, necessitating reapplication. Spray sunscreen is convenient for makeup wearers, preserving their makeup while ensuring continued protection. Alternatively, lotion-based sunscreen can be applied with a beauty/makeup sponge.

Busting Myths about Sunscreen

• People with Darker Skin Tones:Sunscreen is indispensable for all skin tones, dispelling the myth that it’s only for fair skin. Even with melanin protection, dark skin remains susceptible to sunburns and the harmful effects of UVA rays.

• Wearing SPF Indoors:Sunscreen is vital even indoors if sunlight enters through windows, as UVA and UVB rays penetrate glass. Protection is advisable in such scenarios.

• Makeup with SPF: While makeup may contain SPF, it’s insufficient for optimal protection. A significant amount of sunscreen is needed, beyond what makeup typically provides.

• Once-a-Day Application:Sunscreen efficacy lasts only a couple of hours outdoors, necessitating reapplication every 2-3 hours for sustained protection.

• 100% Protection: Sunscreen cannot offer complete protection against UV rays. A comprehensive approach, including hats, scarves, clothing, and shades, is essential for thorough sun protection.

Understanding the important role of sunscreen in your skincare routine is imperative. Remember to carry it with you whenever you step out, ensuring you can bask in the sun’s warmth worry-free. Embrace the habit of covering up for #HappySkin!