It can be difficult to know how to choose the right sunscreen. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce its risk of skin cancer, and helps prevent sunburn and premature aging.
Understanding Factors like SPFWater resistance, and broad-spectrum safety can help you determine the best products for your needs and skin types.
A sunscreen Sun protection factor (SPF) is a number that shows how much UV radiation exposure can take your skin without burning, not the length of time spent in the sun. How often you apply again, such as your skin types such as factor, and day time can affect sunburn risk. Experts suggest that sunscreen should be applied again every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays.
People with some skin conditions or at high risk skin cancer There may be a need to select high SPF. You have to re -apply your sunscreen often as people wearing SPF 30.
Sunscreen comes in lotions, creams, gels, sprays, ointments and wax rods. The best type for you often comes down to your personal preferences. Look for a variety that you will be ready to wear every day.
Different formulas can do better work for different types of skin or areas. For example, a cream-based sunscreen may be better for dry skin, while a gel-based sunscreen may work better for oily skin. A stick or wax sunscreen can be easy to use around the eyes, and Spray sunscreen It can be easy to apply on children.
Aad does not recommend a sunscreen containing sunscreen InsectInstead, buy two separate products and apply them separately. Pest replants should be used with restraint.
Some ingredients in sunscreen can cause side effects, especially if you have health conditions, sensitive skin or allergies. Factors to consider include:
- Possible allergies: Ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylenene can be like allergies contact dermatitisAroma, alcohol and preservatives can also cause reactions. If you are uncertain about a sunscreen, try it on a small patch of skin for a few days how you respond.
- Environmental effects: Chemicals in sunscreen can be harmful to coral reefs and other marine life. The 2022 report of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) urged the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to examine the effect of sunscreen on the maritime ecosystem.
- Possible chemical absorption: Some sunscreen materials may rotate in the bloodstream for extended periods. One study found that six materials – oxybenzone, advengone, octocrillin, homosalelets, octichelets, and octinoxet – were absorbed into the bloodstream after a use and reached the level of blood that crossed the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) thresets.
The study continues in the possible effects of absorbing sunscreen chemicals. FDA notes that absorption does not mean that these elements are insecure and urge people Continue using sunscreens Wearing protective clothes with other sun safety measures.
Aad Broad-Spectrum recommends sunscreen as they provide protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB rays.
UVA rays are sometimes called “aging raise” because they can cause premature skin aging, wrinkles, and age spots. They can enter glass windows, so your skin may be Opening of sun damage indoors,
UVB rays, sometimes called “burning raise”, is the primary cause of sunburn. Although they cannot pass through the window glass, you still need protection from them.
Water-resistant sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin for a long time when you are in water or Sweat,
Even if you are wearing a water-resistant sunscreen, you should still re-apply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or exercising.
No sunscreen is completely waterproofing or sweating proof. Sunscreen manufacturers are not allowed to use these conditions as they can confuse or confuse consumers. If you see a sunscreen marketing as a waterproof or sweatproof, avoid buying it and consider reporting the manufacturer to FDA.
Mineral and chemical sunscreen Both are effective, but have different active ingredients.
Mineral sunscreen (or physical sunscreen) contains mainly titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both. They often leave a white residue on your skin. Dermatologists may recommend that people with sensitive skin use mineral sunscreen as they are often free from rigid chemicals.
Chemical sunscreen contains titanium dioxide or not zinc oxideThey keep a lighter formula compared to mineral sunscreen and do not leave a white artists behind. However, they contain chemicals that may irritate the skin or prevent danger to marine life.
Hybrid sunscreen contains chemicals as well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxides. Always read the list of active ingredients.
Some sunscreen are specially prepared for a particular Skin typeReading the label of a product can help determine whether it is good for you.
For example, if you have dry skin, you want a sunscreen that includes the couple moisturizer. You may prefer non-comedogenic (holes-clogging) and Oil free sunscreen If you have oily or acne-prone skin. The fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen can be better for sensitive skin. Some sunscreen are designed for more mature skin.
All sunscreen must ideally be broad-spectrum, water resistant, and should be SPF of 30 or more, but some factors may be more important to consider for different skin tones.
For example, people with light skin are at greater risk of sunburn, DNA damage and skin cancer. A person with sensitive skin or an underlying skin conditions can also burn more quickly. Choosing sunscreen with 50 or higher SPF can help protect against harmful UV radiation.
Dark skin can naturally be better preserved against UVB rays, but more prone hyperpigmentation Uva rays. Regular using a comprehensive spectrum sunscreen can help prevent photosy and pigmentation.
The key to maximizing your sunscreen safety is continuously wearing it and applying it correctly. here are some tips:
- Apply at least 15 minutes before going out: If you wait till then You are outYour skin is already exposed and can burn.
- Use enough: Most people only apply 25–50% of the recommended amount (about one ounce, or sufficient to fill the shot glass).
- Apply on all exposed skin: Do not forget the top of your feet, part in your hair, and your ear, neck and lips.
- Again every two hours: In the United States, only one-third of the people re-enacted their sunscreen as per the recommendation.
- Apply daily sunscreen: 80% as more UV rays of the sun Can enter clouds.
- Cover your skin evenly: If you are using a spray, spray until your skin glows. Then, take a minute to rub the sunscreen.
- Check the expiration date: The sunscreen may end near three years after purchasing, making them less effective.
Sunscreen is designed to prevent sunburn, reduce the chances of skin cancer and reduce premature aging. When purchasing a new sunscreen, look for a broad spectrum, water-resistant variety with SPF of 30 or higher.
Choose a product that you will feel comfortable to wear every day. Consider the type of sunscreen, its content and your skin type. Talk to a healthcare provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, if you have questions about choosing the best sunscreen for you.