The importance of sunscreen cannot be stressed enough. It is the holy grail that one must use religiously every day; be it indoors or outdoors, rainy or sunny weather. Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage and UV rays. Applying it every day means staying away from sun damage, sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.
What sunscreen should you use—gel, lotion, or cream?
Select a sunscreen formulation just as you select your moisturizer—depending on your skin type.
- Sunscreen for oily skin should be a gel-based, non-greasy formulation that’s easily absorbed into your skin.
- Sunscreen for dry skin types should be such that it adds extra hydration and moisture to your skin. Sunscreen lotion and sunscreen cream are ideal for dry skin.
- Combination skin types must choose a gentle, gel-based or lotion sunscreen that will be neither too oily for their t-zones nor dehydrating for the dry areas of skin.
- Normal skin types may use any of the formulations as long as it isn’t too greasy or too dehydrating for the skin.
- Sensitive skin types should opt for a sunscreen that is mild, gentle, and soothing for the skin; devoid of any fragrance and harmful chemicals.
How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?
Do not be a cheapskate when it comes to sunscreen. Apply it adequately, every day.
The best way to apply sunscreen is:
- Use the three-finger method to apply it to your face and gently massage it into your skin until it’s completely absorbed. Do not leave out your neck and ears while massaging.
- Apply the sunscreen thoroughly and adequately on your body parts that are exposed to the sun, around 20 minutes before going out.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen after a moisturizer or serum. Your sunscreen should always be the last step in your AM skin care.
- Apply generously so that it covers your entire face proportionally. There isn’t a fixed mandate for the quantity to be applied. It should be enough to cover your entire face. Anyway, you will have to reapply.
- Don’t miss out on your lips. Apply lip balm or lipstick with SPF.
Myths about Sunscreen
There are certain myths about sunscreens that need to be debunked
It is completely wrong information that sunscreens should be applied only when you go out into the sun. Your skin is constantly exposed to UV rays even when you are indoors as they can penetrate through our doors and windows. Even on a rainy day, 80% of the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin.
The heat emanated from cooking on the stove that reaches your skin is also a reason why sunscreen must be applied indoors. Our skin is constantly exposed to blue light from cell phones, laptops, TVs, and other devices which can harm and cause shrinkage of skin cells. There are sunscreens available that provide protection against blue light.
How often should you reapply your Sunscreen?
The effectiveness of sunscreen varies. It may last for 2 hours or less (varies according to brand and formulation). This is why reapplying sunscreen is mandatory and when you are traveling, you should always carry one. Reapply every two hours when you are outdoors, especially after heavy exercise or swimming. You may not need a second application when you are indoors.
Highly recommend SkinQ’s Sun Protect Gel SPF 40 and PA++++ with Vitamin C for all skin types.
This dermatologist-formulated non-come dogenic sunscreen promises photo protection to the skin along with a reduction in tanning and sun damage. The sun protection gel has a two-in-one action i.e. it protects and as well as repairs skin. The formulation is suitable for all skin types and it is non-sticky, non-oily, and does not leave a white cast.