Excessive or unprotected sun exposure can cause burns, wrinkles, ball degeneration, and even skin cancer. It is essential to protect the skin every day from damage caused by the sun's rays. There are many different types of sunscreen, which have a sun protection factor (SPF) with different ingredients, water resistance or protection against UVA or UVB rays. Many sunscreens are also reserved for people of a certain age group, such as children, teenagers or adults. Choosing the right sunscreen for your use and skin type is crucial. Here are some tips on how to choose sunscreen.
Steps
Step 1. Look for waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go in the water or if you sweat a lot
A water resistant protection usually lasts around 80 minutes from when you got wet. A waterproof protection ensures that the body is protected from the sun's rays even when it is totally immersed in water.
Step 2. Look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays
UVA rays cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays cause burns. Many sunscreens only protect against UVB rays.
Step 3. Choose the right protection factor (SPF) for you
Sunscreens are mainly classified according to their SPF. The higher it is, the greater the protection against UVB rays, so the harder it will be to get burned. It is advisable to choose a sunscreen with a protection of at least 30 SPF.
Step 4. Check the sunscreen ingredients
There are some chemicals that absorb UVA and UVB rays so that the skin does not absorb them. Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL and Parsol 1789 are some agents that protect against UVA rays. Octinoxate, Octisalate and Homosalate protect against UVB rays. Look for a cream that has these chemicals to ensure total protection from both types of rays.
Step 5. Consider sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
These ingredients reflect UV rays so they are not absorbed by the skin. Studies show that they are safe and effective ingredients as they protect against sun damage.
Step 6. Avoid sunscreens that contain fruit or nut extracts
These ingredients have not been shown to protect against irritation caused by the sun and many can even cause allergic reactions.
