Your Sun Screen Guide This Summer

Sun screen is a big part of our summer routine and it is time you get to know your sun screen a little better.

First and foremost whichever brand you go for research about it well.
Reason:- A large number of sunscreen floating around in the market is not FDA regulated as a result, it can lead to compromised safety of your skin.

1)Many sunscreens protect you from UVB rays but not adequately against UVA rays. So next time you go for one, look for a broad spectrum sun screen.

2)While many of us know that we should be looking for a higher SPF sunscreen what we don’t know is what it does and what it means. A common misconception is that you have to re-apply your sun screen less often when it has higher SPF. A higher SPF in a sun screen basically means how much UVB rays it can prevent before the rays penetrate your skin and make it red as compared to when you have worn none. Sun screens above SPF 15 is enough but always go for one above 35 to be safe.

3)All sunscreens take about 30 minutes to start acting. They also retain their effect for only two and a half to three hours max. Never apply sunscreen immediately before stepping out always give it time to soak into your skin. Furher keep track of the time as to when you applied it at and don't forget to re-apply.

4)UVA protection? Yes, your sunscreen should also provide you with the right UVA protection too. Simply look for a sunscreen with the PA value or the protection grade. Anything less than PA+++ is not enough.

5)Did you know that there are two type of sun screens available in the market?

There is something called as physical protectors and mineral protectors :-

A.Physical sunscreens:- They don’t penetrate the epidermis and dermis layer of the skin. They remain at the surface and act as a barrier between the skin and the sun rays. They are a good choice for those with sensitive skin as they penetrate the skin layers. For people with acne prone and oily skin face needs to be thoroughly cleansed after it's usage as they tend to be greasier.

B.Mineral sunscreens:- They are the ones that contain zinc and titanium oxide. They penetrate the deeper layers of skin and protect them before sun rays enter. They are more lightweight and less greasy. They are also better protectors against UVA rays.

Problems with mineral sunscreens :- Though both type of sun screen is good for different skin types often the assumption is that the mineral ones are better.

Well that is not the case and here are a few drawbacks in them :-
According to FDA they have been found to cause environmental damage and damage to internal organs. So avoid any forms of sprays and powder forms of mineral sunscreens. Further they are known to make the skin prone to free radicle damage. Weigh the pros and cons of both before choosing one.

6)The sun protections in makeup alone is never enough. Sure some makeups do have enough SPF and maybe even PA but the quantity you are putting is not.

Did you know the regulated amount required to cover full face is 1/4^th the size of your palm and about 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the full body?

If you go around putting that much foundation it would end up dripping like a foundation lava literally.

With this guide you don't need to worry about buying the wrong sun screens again.