8 Different types of Sunscreens for Skin|Find out which Suits you?
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Do you really need a sunscreen? If yes, which type of sunscreens suits best for your skin? Our skin is more susceptible to sun’s harmful UV rays. When our skin is exposed to sun’s rays, they can easily penetrate into deeper layers of our skin. So, we need to take utmost care from the sun’s UV rays not just in summer but all year round because the sun is not only visible in summers.
However, UVC rays the most dangerous rays are reflected back from ozone layer but UVA and UVB rays do harm the skin. Although sometimes, when there is a hole in ozone layer UVC rays will affect the skin. Sunscreens are an antidote to prevent skin from sun’s harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Sunscreen doesn’t let the skin to absorb these harmful rays and instead reflects them back from the skin.
But here comes the biggest question – How to choose the best sunscreen? because there are so many types of sunscreens available in the markets from cream to gel based. Which type of sunscreens suits your skin? So, it takes a lot of patience and time to pick the best sunscreen from all the various types of sunscreens.
Let’s get deeper into what types of sunscreens are available in the markets and also some of the facts about sunscreen.
What is sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?
When the UV rays hit the surface of the earth, our skin becomes more susceptible to those UV rays. They get penetrated into layers of skin and cause damage. If sunscreen is applied to the surface layer of the skin then sunscreen absorbs all the rays and reflects them back.
Generally, UVA rays penetrate into deeper layers of skin and start damaging the skin. Sunscreen contains organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homoslate, mexoryl, octocrylene, and so on.
These compounds get absorbed into the skin rather than sitting on top of the surface layer and prevents the adverse effects of UVA rays.
So, sunscreens chemically protect you from UVA rays by slowing down the ageing process where A refers to ageing.
When skin gets exposed to UV rays, these compounds are converted into heat. That is why we need to re-apply sunscreen.
What is a sunblock or physical sunscreen?
Whilst UVA rays penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, UVB rays sits on a surface layer of the skin. These rays can change the colour of skin or can cause cancer.
The “B” in UVB rays refers to burning. So, a sunblock protects the outer layer of skin by reflecting the UVB rays back before they enter deep into the skin.
The physical or mineral compounds in sunblocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Types of sunscreens
1.Broad spectrum
A sunscreen labelled as a broad spectrum will have compounds which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Therefore, broad-spectrum sunscreens show up double actions on the skin with a mix of both organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) compounds.
The most common ingredients of the broad spectrum are zinc dioxide, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, octylmethyl, and salicylates.
So, for its dual nature, this type of sunscreen is highly recommended.
Skin type:
All skin types are suitable for these type of sunscreens
Best recommended sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 sunscreen
2. Creams
These creamy textured sunscreens are not a good option for summers or if you have oily skin. Basically, if you sweat a lot and if your skin produces more oil then this type of sunscreen is not yours. A single dab of cream also looks like too much because of its heavy texture.
These creamy sunscreens are foes to water and oil. So, in extreme hot weathers or humid places, these sunscreens are not a perfect match. Furthermore, they leave a white cast on the skin which appears to be odd and insane.
However, these sunscreens might not be perfect options for summers but they are really a great option for winters giving a matte look.
Skin type:
Dry to combination skin types
Best recommended sunscreen: Neutrogena deep moisture day cream
3. Gels
With a lightweight formula, these gel sunscreens are ideal for summers. These are transparent and very light on the skin.
Unlike creams, these gel type of sunscreens are not foes to sweat or oils. These hydrating sunscreens keep the skin moist and supple.
Surprisingly, gel sunscreens don’t leave a white cast on the skin.
Skin type:
Particularly recommended for oily skin. People with dry skin also can use in summers.
Best recommended sunscreen: Lotus Herbals safe sun 3-in-one sunscreen
4. Powder
Powder sunscreens are a good option if you’re wearing makeup and heading out in the hot sun. Because you need to re-apply sunscreen every 4 hrs and what if you’re wearing makeup? How could you apply? If you apply creams, gels or lotions it might give a cakey appearance.
This extremely light product is a must try especially in humid places, if you sweat much and if your skin produces more oils.
Skin type:
This flawless powder sunscreen is recommended for all skin types
Best recommended sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50
5. Lotions
These type of sunscreens are ultimately best body lotions. Like creams, these lotions are also suitable for winters giving a matte look.
Lotions have moisturizing properties which can keep the skin hydrated and moist for long hours.
Although, there are also some lotions which are light on the skin.
Skin type:
Dry and normal skin people
Best recommended sunscreen: Nivea Moisturizing Sun Lotion SPF 50
6. Sprays
Sprays are more convenient to use when you’re rushing out or when you’re so tired to apply & rub sunscreen all over the skin.
These sprays fastly absorb into the skin because of they very light, and non-greasy texture. Also, they’re sweat and water resistant.
Skin type:
For dry and wet skin
Best recommended sunscreen: Banana boat sports sunscreen spray
7. Tinted sunscreens
Seems like you don’t need any makeup products after the discovery of such tinted sunscreens. What do you say?
Also, on daily basis, when you head to college, school, office or any workplace you need not apply makeup always and waste a lot of time for the makeover. Just dab on these tinted sunscreens and enjoy the impressive effects.
Best recommended sunscreen: Suntegrity – 5 in 1 Natural moisturizing Tinted face sunscreen
8. Lip Balms
Skin protection is never complete until you take appropriate care of your lips as well. Lip care is also an essential step in skin care regime because lips would enhance the beauty of face to a hundredfold. But lips are also affected by the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Quickly check out these best lip balms in India and stay carefree exposed to the harsh sun rays.
[Read more: Best lip balms in india]
So, what are you waiting for? Now that you had a clear glimpse what type of sunscreen suits your skin. Grab them quickly from the stores to stay fresh, hydrated, and sun protected all year round.
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