Sun Care Tips: How To Choose The Right Sunscreen?

The sun provides essential vitamin D, improves your mood and maintains the efficacy of your eyes – among other important things.

However, as we all know, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Although we may enjoy being under the sun a lot during our sun tanning sessions, day out at the beach or just being outdoors in general, the sun can cause a lot of damage to our skin. It might eventually lead to skin cancer due to its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Hence, it is important that we invest in UV protection.

How to choose a sunscreen

One of the bigger questions raised when it comes to sunscreen is how to choose a sunscreen that would be suitable for your skin type and lifestyle. The sun protection factor (SPF), should also be taken into account when choosing a sunscreen, so one should also know how to choose the right SPF. While there may be full-body sun care products available, it is always wiser to cater to different parts of the body to ensure maximum protection.

For daily use
A basic sunscreen, such as a sunscreen for face, should always have an SPF of at least 15 and higher. This is recommended for those who are commuting to and fro work daily, which means that exposure to the sun is quick and short.

If you often wear make-up, it is also wise to purchase make-up with built-in SPF in it, everlasting cushion foundation+ SPF50 or the BB Perfector Cream SPF30. This way, not only will your face look impeccable at all times, but you will also be getting sunscreen protection.

For heavy outdoors use
Those who enjoy spending time under the sun, whether it is through sports, travel, beach trips or any other extended stays outdoors, SPF 30 or higher should be applied on the face and body. This is because a sunscreen of SPF 30 would block out almost all of the sun’s UVB rays, so SPF 30 to 50 would be perfect for the outdoors.

To ensure that both your face and body will be protected from the sun, combine the use of water and sweat-resistant sunscreen lotions with an SPF 50, all over the body for optimum coverage.

For dry and oily skin
Most people with problematic skin might choose to forgo sunscreen as they are under the impression that sunscreen might agitate the skin even more - especially those who are unsure about sunscreen for oily skin. This isn’t the case with the UV Plus SPF50, which is rich in plant extracts and light enough in the formulation to layer on the skin. The finish is transparent, and will not leave any greasy feeling.

For uneven skin tones
Thanks to modern technology, most make-up products are able to incorporate SPF in them, as well as the other way around - SPF products now carry a slight tint and colour so that those who are looking to correct their skin will be able to do so while under protection from the sun. The UV Plus SPF50 range, for example, comes in multiple shades such as pink, blue and neutral.

The benefits of applying sunscreen

1. Protects the skin from the sun
The most obvious and notable benefit is that it protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. By using sunscreens, you are minimising the penetration of UV rays into the skin. Remember that sunburn is actually more harmful than what people actually think.

2. Helps fight premature ageing
Unprotected and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the skin to age prematurely, and an indication of this is usually through the increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Wearing sunscreen will help impede this.

3. Keeps the complexion even
The face is one of the most exposed areas of the body, and it would easily catch the damage from the sun in the form of uneven skin tones, dark spots and more. Hence, it is advisable to use sunscreen for the face daily.

4. Reduces the risk of melanoma
Skin cancers, especially melanoma, can be avoided with the regular use of sunscreen. Women in their 20s are at higher risk, so it is best to apply sunscreen as often as possible.

5. Promotes healthier skin
Important proteins in the skin that keep the skin smooth and healthy, such as keratin, are protected from the sun when sunscreen is applied.

How to apply sunscreen on the face

For best results, squeeze a generous amount onto your palm. Dot them across your face and neck, and massage evenly to allow for quicker and easier absorption. Do this 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and before any make-up application.