When summer comes, everybody wants to keep his or her skin safe from the scorching heat from the sun. However, what you choose as protection could turn out to be a destroyer and probably inflict you with skin cancer in the long run. That’s why choosing the best sunscreen is very important.
Here are some of the most helpful tips for choosing the right spf sunscreen for you and your family as well.
See also: How To Get Glowing Skin Naturally and Age Gracefully
1. The best sunscreen is free of dangerous content
When it comes to how to pick the right sunscreen, you want to always be keen to check the ingredients to ensure oxybenzone, linked to hormone disruptor that causes allergic reactions and avobenzone is absent. The best sunscreen products to go for are those whose main ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, minerals that stay on the skin surface reflecting sun rays and are ideal for kids as well. They tend to be chalkier and leave the skin with a white tinge.
Also, while choosing sunscreen for your kids avoid those containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzophenones. Aveeno is a good choice for your kids.
2. Avoid spray or powdered sunscreens
Some people say sunscreen is sunscreen, depending on how you use it and how efficiently it works for you, which is true. However, the spray or powdered sunscreens contain nanoparticles that are dangerous when inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. Choose creamy ones instead.
3. Consider Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 protection or higher
You might be wondering is SPF 30 or 50 better for you? The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. No sunscreen protects you completely against the UVB rays. The higher the SPF numbers the more protection it offers. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100, like Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion, about 99%.
4. Water and sweat resistance
Not all sunscreens are water-resistant. During purchase, check the label if written “water-resistant”. While going for outdoor activities, it is important to have water and sweat-resistant sunscreens. Normally, water resistance lasts between 40 to 80 minutes. If you have sweaty skin or while swimming, you would need to reapply the sunscreen at an interval of 40 or 80 minutes depending on the specifications of the product. For best results apply after 2 hours under normal circumstances. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is a good example of safe sunscreen you can opt for.
5. No retinyl palmitate
Learning how to choose the right sunblock involves knowing what ingredients are good and which ones are bad. Some companies include retinol or retinyl palmitate in their products. This is a formulation of vitamin A that may trigger the development of skin tumors and lesions when used on the skin in the presence of sunlight. Check to ensure you avoid any product with this ingredient.
6. Broad-spectrum matters
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays prematurely age the skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Over-exposure to both can lead to skin cancer. Consider trying Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum among others.
7. Good branded sunscreen
A well-branded product makes you feel secure. The brands from the US and Europe have to be certified by either the FDA or the European Union, and they have very strict regulations on certifying the sunscreens.
8. Consider your skin type
Different types of sunscreens will work for different skin types. If you’re wondering how to choose sunscreen for oily skin always check to ensure that your sunscreen is labeled ‘non-comedogenic,’ meaning it can not block pores. For dry-skinned people, sunscreens with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides are best.
9. Fragrance-free
The best sunscreen for face needs to be unscented. Ensure you choose a fragrance-free sunscreen as synthetic fragrances sometimes contain harmful chemicals.
10. For sunscreen sprays
Preferences and choices vary from one person to another. Much as creamy sunscreens are considered the best, they may not be best for others. And so, for those who prefer sprays, go for the non-aerosol sprays since the propellant chemicals of aerosol can be very harmful to your breathing system leading to some breathing problems. While using sunscreen sprays, avoid inhaling the mist after spraying to stay safe.
11. Don’t be fooled by high prices and clever marketing
A product may be of higher price but not as effective as a cheaper one. Some companies will hike their price to make you think the product is of quality when it is not. On the other hand, some companies will confuse you with how they market their products. For instance, paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan, or cruelty-free are good. However, these alone do not make a product safe. Still, they could contain harmful ingredients alongside fragrances, which are more dangerous.
12. Manufacturing and expiry date
Every product always has the manufacturing and expiry date noted somewhere on the package or container. It is obvious that a product past the selling date has its ingredients degraded and can cause a lot of harm to the skin. Therefore, it is important to check the dates for safety.
Do not pick up just any sunscreen off the counter, first make sure that it is the best sunscreen for you. Use these tips to find the best sunscreen for everyday use that will protect you from the sun without causing harm to your body and keep looking elegant every day!
If you’re interested in more skin products to enhance your glow-up check out our guide on the 15 best beauty products every woman should have.