Sunscreen is not luxury care, Sunscreen is a necessity. Itโs a must. I canโt drag this matter on enough ever because people are still very casual about it. And when I said people my parents, and family included. If you have any questions on Sunscreen please leave a comment below. Iโll update the answer in my post. I hope this will answer every basic answers you need to know about Sunscreens!
What is SPF?
SPF is Sun Protection Factor. It determines how much effective your sunscreen is basically against UVB. Dermatologists always recommend using more than 30 SPF. I satisfy with SPF 50. First of all, you need to know itโs not like SPF 50 protects better than SPF 30. Itโs time. Understand what Iโm gonna tell you. Everybodyโs skin is different, suppose my skin gets burnt after 10 minutes in direct sunlight. If I apply SPF 30 it means it will get burnt after 30*10=300 minutes which is five hours. If I apply SPF 50, mathematically I will get burnt after 50*10=500 minutes. Now everything does not work in real life like math. It will protect you for two hours, no matter what you use. We sweat a little bit, products get evaporated, wiped, clumped up, etc. Also, many sunscreens claim wrong. Also SPF15 blocks 93% UVB (not recommended), SPF30 blocks about 97% UVB while SPF50 blocks about 98% UVB and SPF100 blocks about 99% UVB rays. Itโs not like double SPF means double protection.
What is PA?
The protection from UV A rays is measured by PA. The full form of PA is the Protection Grade of UV A. PA grading system was first introduced in Japan. From the Persistent Pigment Darkening or PPD method this PA rating came. What is PPD? PPD is where a variety pigmented of people are tested under UVA light. It is to see how long their skin takes to tan or burn. Still, PPD cannot tell the exact amount of UVA protection it can provide, five countries the UK, the US, Germany, Japan, and Australia utilized this PPD testing and came to their grading as it varies. In general PPD 2 to 4 means PA+. It means from two to the power number of โ+โ to twice of it. So, PA++=PPD 22 to 4*2 or 4 to 8. Like this, PA+++=8 to 16. PA++++=16 to higher.
What I Should Look for in a Sunscreen?
Minimum SPF 35-50, minimum PA++, means UVA, UVB protected or broad-Spectrum, and water-resistant.
If your sunscreen claims itโs a broad spectrum that means it can protect you from UVA and UVB and most probably itโs a physical sunscreen. Also, remember every vegan or natural does not mean itโs good for your skin. So look for the ingredients, if youโre buying for your baby if you are pregnant or have sensitive skin.
What damage do UVA and UVB do to Our Skin?
UV rays can damage skin cells deeper and deeper the more time you spend in the Sun.
UVA
UVB is Ultraviolet A and is responsible for aging. Remember premature aging happens when your skin is damaged from the inside, donโt take it lightly. These rays penetrate deep into the skin and may cause cancer.
UVB
UVB is Ultraviolet B and is responsible for burning or tanning the skin. It does not get very deep as UVA but can damage the outer layer.
UVC
UVC rays get absorbed when before reaching the land of the earth through the atmosphere and especially the Ozon layer. So thereโs no worry. But if youโre getting exposed to UVC there are chances of skin burns, eye injuries, etc.
Who Should Apply Sunscreen?
Every living human having human skin should apply Sunscreen. Every Child, Kid, Young, Adult, Old, Male, Female, Trans, Fair, Medium, Dusky tone, Black, already Tanned or Burned, if you have human skin you need Sunscreen!
In which Step I should Apply Sunscreen?
Why not I give you the whole order of using products? Rember itโs not necessary to use them all, just skip to the next step you have. Here are the steps and orders you need to follow!
- Oil Cleansing. First Step of Double Cleansing.
- Cleanser (Water-based) or Facewash. Instead of using both some may use Cleansing cream, balm, or milk with an emulsifier which will help to remove all kinds of oily, watery dirt from the skin
- Exfoliate
- Detoxifying
- Mist spray. You may use Softener in this step.
- Toning and Moisturizing deep with Rich Korean Toners.
- Essence
- Serum
- Ampoule
- Sheet Mask (Conditions are applied on which step you need to use it based on the texture of your sheet mask, READ THE POST)
- Lotions
- Moisturizer
- Eye Cream
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
Confused about why I kept some products in this way? Hereโs my explanation that why you need to use products in this way!
Is it Safe to Wear Sunscreen While Pregnant?
Dear, You must wear sunscreen every time you expose to the sun. Itโs not like your baby/babies will be affected by it but itโs a must to protect the motherโs skin from harmful Ultra Violet rays. Make sure the ingredients are safe for a pregnant lady and contains no harmful chemical or strong fragrance. Some ingredients are controversial, so itโs better to avoid this precious time. Oxybenzone and Avobenzone products may cause damage to the mammary gland. Consult with dermatology (not cosmetology or esthetician) if you have some severe problem. But donโt worry sister, thereโs good sunscreen for everybody, every skin.
Is Sunscreen for Babies?
One of our biggest and most common mistakes is not buying Sunglasses and Sunscreens for babies. Thatโs right. Just think, if your skin canโt tolerate it, or your eye, how can your babyโs skin will tolerate the Sun! Baby skin gets sunburned very easily itโs a must that you apply sunscreen to your baby every 2 hours.
When I Should Apply Sunscreen?
Until the Sunset. Itโs cloudy that does not mean UVA and UVB are not coming through! If you donโt know that, then why take risks? Apply Sunscreen before 20 minutes of exposing your skin to the sun. When I said skin I meant everywhere. Your leg, and hands, if it is exposed need to use Sunscreen. If sunlight is penetrating through Window glass in your home then you have to use Sunscreen inside also. Accordingly, Australian Medical Authority if the UV index is below three then you donโt need UV rays. But thereโs a catch. Not everybodyโs skin is the same sensitive. And why risk the money spent on pricy skincare items when we can simply protect ourselves!
Should I Apply Sunscreen in Winter or If Itโs Cloudy?
I just pointed out this question in case they missed the last one. Yes. You need to, must apply sunscreen even if itโs cloudy or itโs Winter. Clouds are heavy drops of water vapor. Do you think itโs a good barrier not to let penetrate UV rays? Again, if youโre on the beach and youโre thinking you will be in the water, well, not all the time right? Also, not the whole body will be underwater right? UV rays gonna hit you twice. Once when itโs coming and second when itโs reflecting from water, sand. Same for Cold. I donโt even know how cold UV rays are contrary!
Is Sunscreen Necessary for Indian Skin?
Indiaโs climate is mostly Tropical. Some of the parts can also feel extremely cold. Though does not matter where you live, whether itโs cloudy or not, you are richly pigmented, or not apply Sunscreen for safety. As for Indians many still have no idea about Sunscreen. And many think itโs for riches. If youโre reading this buy Sunscreen before moisturizer.
Do SPF50 is Okay for Indian Skin?
Yes. Itโs okay to use any Sunscreen ranging between SPF30 and SPF50. You have to reapply every two hours if the UV rating is high which you can check daily in WWW.
How many types of Sunscreens are There?
There are two types of Sunscreens. Physical Sunscreen and Chemical Sunscreen.
What is Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical Sunscreen uses those ingredients which do not leave a white cast and also get a little bit absorbed in the skin. So how do they help with UV rays? Chemical sunscreen covert UV rays before they can cause harm to your skin. These sunscreens are light. Apply Chemical sunscreen at least 20 minutes before.
What is Physical Sunscreen?
Physical sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. Donโt let people tell you itโs natural. The natural product is a myth. Natural products are also chemical. So whatโs mineral sunscreen? Mineral or Physical sunscreen contains zinc and titanium oxide which sit on top of our skin. Most sunscreens tend to leave a white cast. It acts as a barrier.
Which Sunscreen I should Use? Physical or Chemical?
If you have very sensitive skin you should try Physical or Mineral sunscreen. In case your skin is color enriched try Chemical sunscreen they donโt leave a white cast. If you are a newbie then try Chemical sunscreen, it bothers less. Otherwise, you can use any sunscreen you love.
Is Sunscreen okay for Acne-Prone, Sensitive, and/or Oily Skin?
Yes, it is okay to wear sunscreen even more necessary if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone. Oily skin is not even an issue. Just choose with the right ingredients in it.
What Sunscreen Cricketers Use?
Cricketers or any outdoor Sports person wear special sunscreen made of Zinc Oxide. It provides extra and longer protection from UVA and UVB. Zinc Oxide is also safe for kids.
Is Sunscreen Harmful?
Any cosmetic can be harmful if that contains toxic ingredients or not suitable ingredients for every skin type. In general No, Sunscreen is not Harmful.
Is Sunscreen Causes Cancer?
Itโs an assumption. No evidence proves that Sunscreens bring any harm to our skin or cause Cancer. Using Sunscreen reduces the chances of cancer and other skin problems.
Are Sunscreen Causes Rash and/or Acne?
Again depends on ingredients and Skin type. Do not normalize it. Thereโs a perfect sunscreen for every skin โค
Bad Ingredients in Sunscreen to Avoid
Avoid these ingredients in Sunscreen. Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octisalate, Homosalate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, PABA, Octocrylene. These products do not cause direct harm to your skin but get absorbed in the bloodstream and increase the level than necessity. Oxybenzone helps to protect skin from UBA and UVB but may cause skin allergies. Avobenzone also blocks the full range of UVA rays. Some good ingredients are Titanium and Zinc Oxide.
Good Ingredients in Sunscreen to Look For
There are many good ingredients you can look for in Sunscreen. Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M. Even . , thatโs why I kept it in avoid ingredient list.
How to use Sunscreen with Makeup and/or Moisturizer?
Firstly use moisturizer after cleansing your face at the last step of your skincare. Then wait for a minimum of 15 minutes to settle or even out the moisturizer into the skin. Then use Sunscreen. Now, any sunscreen acts as a barrier or protects your skin. So that will act as a primer. You do not need a separate primer if you do not want one. Then please allow 20 minutes to even out the Sunscreen on the skin. For physical sunscreen, you do not need to wait normally, but as you will use foundation on top of it, itโs better to give 20-30 minutes to settle down and then apply your foundation. You can also mix a little sunscreen with the foundation for better protection, but that does not mean you do not have to use it separately. I am talking about extra care.
