How to choose the right sunscreen?

Ah, sunshine! The warm embrace of the sun feels like a big, cosy hug from Mother Nature. But before you run off to frolic in the sun, let us talk about how to keep your skin safe.

UV rays can be sneaky. Just when you think you are having a good time, those pesky UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin, causing sunburns, premature ageing or even skin cancer.

That is when sunscreen comes to your rescue. But with so many different types of sunscreens available on the market, choosing the right one can be quite a challenge. To make things easier, we have put together a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle.

Whether you are planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains or simply running errands around town, this guide will help you safeguard your skin and enjoy the sun safely. So, let us dive in and explore the world of sunscreens!

Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection

For sun protection, not all sunscreens are created equally. While choosing a sunscreen, you must look for the most important thing: whether the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, whereas UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can lead to skin tint and premature ageing.

Make sure to check the label of your sunscreen to ensure that it offers protection in a broad spectrum. Look for active ingredients such as cinnamates (octyl methyl cinnamate and cinoxate), oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, salicylates, avobenzone, zinc oxide or Mexoryl SX, which are effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

Choose the Right SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which refers to the amount of protection a sunscreen offers against the main cause of sunburn, UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides.

Now, you may have heard about SPF ratings, but did you know they are not as straightforward as they seem? For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen does not offer twice as much protection as an SPF 15 sunscreen. Instead, SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

As a general rule of thumb, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to keep those UVB rays at bay. And if you have a light skin tone, history of skin cancer or plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, it is wise to opt for an even higher SPF.

Fun in the sun fact:Did you know that even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and damage your skin? To stay protected, it is important to always apply sunscreen, regardless of the weather forecast.

Consider Your Skin Type

Another important factor to consider when choosing sunscreen is your skin type. Different skin types have different needs when it comes to sun protection. Sofinding the right sunscreen for your skin type can be a bit of trial and error, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, finding the right sunscreen can feel like a battle. Here is the secret to victory: look for oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreens. These types of sunscreens are formulated to help prevent clogging of the pores. Gel-based or water-based sunscreens with matt formulations are the best for oily skin.

If you are on the dry side of the skin spectrum, you deserve a sunscreen that does double duty. Look for sunscreens that contain moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate your skin while also protecting it from the sun.

Sensitive skin? Your skin needs a little extra love and care. Look for sunscreens that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. These sunscreens are often free of fragrances and other ingredients that may cause irritation.

Consider Your Activities

Choosing the right sunscreen and skin tint goes beyond just your skin type. Your lifestyle and activities can also have an impact!

For example, if you love spending time in the water or working up a sweat, you will want to make sure your sunscreen can handle the heat. Opt for a water-resistant sunscreen that would not wash off easily. And make sure to reapply often, especially after towelling off!

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you know that sunscreen is a must-have in your arsenal. You may want to choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply and does not leave a white residue on your skin. Stick sunscreens are a great option for outdoor activities. They are easy to apply, would not run or drip and would not leave a residue on your skin.

Tira recommends:To stay protected, apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out and reapply it every 2 hours.

Your skin is worth protecting! Remember, it is not just about vanity – shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for your overall health. By understanding SPF and UVA/UVB protection, as well as selecting the right type of sunscreen for your skin and lifestyle, you can defend against the sun’s harmful rays and keep your skin looking radiant.

So whether you are soaking up the sun or just running around town, do not forget to apply sunscreen and take good care of your skin. It is your body’s biggest organ, and it deserves care!

We at Tira hope that this blog post has provided you with valuable insights and knowledge to help you take better care of your skin. Our mission is to empower you to feel confident and beautiful in your skin, and we believe that by sharing this information, we can help you achieve just that. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to being a part of your skincare journey.