LifeSurance.info – Excessive sun radiation exposure can cause various skin disorders, from mild to serious. One way to prevent this is to use sunscreen. How do you choose the right sunscreen? Check out the explanation below
Guide to Choosing the Right Sunscreen
The following are tips for choosing the right sunscreen according to your skin type, including:
1. Choose a Sunscreen with ‘Broad Spectrum Protection
According to the American Dermatology Association (ADA), the most effective sunscreens are those with broad-spectrum protection. Sunscreen products that have broad-spectrum labels mean they have advantages in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
UVA is solar radiation that starts from sunrise to sunset, while UVB has an intensity from 10 am to 4 pm. The radiation from UVA is fifty times stronger than UVB. UVA radiation cannot be avoided by objects such as clothing or other obstructions.
It is recommended that you use a sunscreen product with a broad spectrum label, but some products warn that sunscreen is only for protecting the skin from the sun and not preventing cancer or premature aging.
2. Pay attention to the SPF number
SPF or sun protection factor is a measure of the duration of how long the protection works to protect the skin from sun exposure. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen can be effective for 150 minutes by filtering out about 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 sunscreen lasts 300 minutes and absorbs 97% of UV rays. Meanwhile, SPF 50 sunscreen can last for 500 minutes and absorbs 98% of UV rays and SPF 100 sunscreen can absorb 99% of UV radiation.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a sunscreen that is safe to use is one that has an SPF below 15, because the benefits of sunscreen are only sun protection, not skin cancer protection or premature aging.
If you have outdoor activities and may be exposed to sunlight for more than two hours, you can use a minimum of SPF 15 and SPF 30 sunscreen.
3. Waterproof Sunscreen
It is recommended that you choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant or water-resistant and sweat-resistant. Pay attention to the label of the sunscreen product you buy and how long the sunscreen lasts in water.
Generally, sunscreen will wear off when you sweat. It is recommended that you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you sweat or after swimming.
4. Pay attention to UVA protection base materials
You need to check the basic ingredients of the sunscreen you use. Based on research, a good sunscreen must have one of the following basic ingredients, namely:
- Ecamsul.
- Avobenzone.
- Oxybenzone.
- Titanium dioxide.
- Sulisobenzone.
- Zinc oxide.
These ingredients are ingredients that have been declared effective and safe in preventing exposure to UV radiation.
5. Safe for All Skin Types
You are also advised to choose a sunscreen that is safe for skin problems you may experience, such as sensitive skin or rosacea.
Several sunscreen products already contain a complete content of sun protection while at the same time not causing side effects for sensitive skin types.
The way to choose a sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin is to use a sunscreen that has a non-comedogenic label.
If you have a dry skin type, then look for sunscreen products that contain moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid or ceramide. Meanwhile, for sensitive skin types, use a sunscreen that is rich in minerals and ingredients that do not burn the skin such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
6. Avoid Certain Ingredients
Avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or artificial preservatives, especially if you have a history of skin allergies or skin irritation. The use of these materials can trigger other skin problems.
Use sunscreen ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead of chemicals such as para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone.
Some sunscreen products that work for other people may not work for you. Choose sunscreen products from your favorite cosmetic brands because these products usually have ingredients and effects that are suitable for your skin.
7. Products that are Safe for Children
If you are looking for sunscreen for children, look for a product that does not contain benzophenones such as dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone as they have a risk of skin irritation in children. Understand that children have sensitive skin and are easily irritated by exposure to chemicals that are usually contained in care products for adults.
How to use the correct sunscreen
After you understand how to choose a sunscreen according to your skin type, here’s a guide on how to use it correctly, namely:
- Apply sunscreen to your skin about 15-30 minutes before you do outdoor activities.
- Apply on the skin exposed to the sun.
- Apply enough sunscreen, most people use too little.
- It’s a good idea to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so, especially when you’re sweating.
Pay attention to the guide on how to use sunscreen so that the ingredients can work effectively to block direct sun exposure to the skin.
