Navigating the sunscreen world can be tough. Here you are a couple of tips that can help you pick up just the right one for you.
Starting with the basics: let’s do some math. First off, let’s get one thing straight: even SPF100 isn’t your magical shield from the sun. SPF 100 means that 1 UVB ray over 100 passes through, thus it protects you from 99% of UVB rays. This makes it clear that even a sunscreen with very high SPF value doesn’t get you a complete shield against sun damage. And this is why you shouldn’t forget some extra protection like a hat and sunglasses in the days when UV index is particularly high.
Keep in mind your phototype.
If you have fair skin that doesn’t tan and usually gets burnt, forget about the low SPF values sunscreens. Instead prefer a sun cream with SPF50 or 50+. While if you have a darker phototype you can safely use a SPF30. The truth is that there isn’t much difference between a SPF30 and a SPF50. Both of them guarantee a high sunscreen protection. The SPF30 allows 1 UVB ray over 30 to pass, which means that it protects you from about 97% of UVB. While the SPF 50 protects you from about 98% of UVB. It doesn’t seem a lot, but for very fair skin types this 1% more might make a difference!
Don’t forget UVA protection.
The SPF value refers to UVB protection but doesn’t take into account the sun damage related to UVA rays. To have a broad protection make sure to choose a sunscreen that has the circled UVA symbol on the label. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB and are the main responsible for the so-called photoaging. Their damage won’t show up immediately as the irritation and sunburn caused from UVB rays, however it will eventually show up as premature signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and dryness.
Choose a texture that you like.
You have to love your SPF formula because you should reapply it frequently and in the right amount, which is at least a teaspoon of sunscreen per body-part. If you don’t enjoy applying your SPF or you are not satisfied with its after application effect, it is probably time to seek for something new. In the past years SPF formulas have improved a lot and now you can easily find a comfortable and lightweight sunscreen. If you don’t like the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” look try to avoid formulations with inorganic sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as they tend to leave a white cast.
Embrace your skin type.
Sunscreens are historically pointed as very heavy and greasy formulas that tend to clog your pores, but times have changed! The technology has evolved and chemists have figured out how to make lightweight sun creams. So no more excuses. If you have acne prone skin look for “oil-free” formulas or SPF serums and lotions rather than think creams. And remember, to prevent any possible breakouts it is very important that you remove your SPF at the end of the day. Double cleansing is a good way to deeply clean any sunscreen residues and free your pores.
Think about your lifestyle.
Even when you’re not on the sea river, sunscreens need to be reapplied every couple of hours. This is because UV filters tend to lose their power during time. So after two hours the protection won’t be the same as when the sunscreen is freshly applied. If you don’t want to ruin your makeup, or you just don’t want to use your hands to spread suncream around the city, you can use a sunstick or a sun spray to re-apply it during the day. It is extremely important that your SPF stays on the skin to be effective. Thus, if you tend to sweat a lot or love going for a swim, it is better to pick up a waterproof sunscreen and reapply it frequently.
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach—it’s a full-time job! If the whole “reapply sunscreen” routine feels like a chore, switch things up with a sunstick or sunspray—they’re lazy person-proof. And if you’re sweating like you’re in a sauna or doing cannonballs at the pool, grab a waterproof sunscreen and reapply often. Remember, your sunscreen is only as loyal as you are consistent!
