If there is one thing all dermatologists agree you should put on your skin on daily basis that would be sunscreen. Skin experts tend to harp on this over and over again because it is infact one of the best ways [if not the best] to protect your skin.
The use of sunscreen goes way beyond keeping your skin young, although this, alone, is a rock solid reason. However, the primary benefit to the use of sunscreen would be protecting your skin from sunburn & premature aging, which decreases the risk of skin cancer and even help reduce dark spots, improving skin texture, and boosting radiance.
Before talking about sunscreens and skin types, let us talk about the sunlight, this radiation produces three main types of UV rays: UVA. UVB. & UVC. UV-A and UV-B light cause’s sunburns and premature skin aging, exposure to both is associated with the development of skin cancer. On The three hand, UVC, being the most harmful, fortunately does not reach earth. Sunscreens aim to protect against UVA & UVB, those with SPF 15 Block 93 % of UV rays & SPF 30 block up to 97 %. Blockage increases with SPF.
Now Let’s Talk about Skin Types, How do you know which sunscreen best suits your skin type ?
The Choice of Sunscreen is based on two major factors, Your Skin Type & Your Concern.
In general, we have three types of skin textures: Oily, Dry & Combination.
- Oily Skin ; Appears As ‘shiny’ or ‘greasy’
Sunscreen Texture: A Lightweight gel or spray sunscreens that have a matte finish these have a drying effect to prevent the skin looking greasy.
- Dry Skin ; Bears a ‘Parched’ Look
Sunscreen Texture: A cream sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides
Normal to combination skin: Usually consists of an oily T Zone & Dry U Zone
Sunscreen Texture: fluid sunscreen or one with dry touch
Sunscreens may also be used based on one’s concern;
Concern – related sunscreen:
- Acne Prone skin : a sunscreen containing antibiotics such as niacin amide to treat acne
- Aging Skin : product that’s loaded with antioxidants to fight off free radicals and reverse signs of sun damage
- Pigmented skin: a sunscreen with micronized ingredients so that it is easier to blend and has a sheer finish, rich in thiamidol.
- Very sensitive skin : mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide.
- For Children: children have a thinner skin; a mineral-based SPF Lotion is preferred.
A golden glowing summer tan is with no doubt, what everyone wants, but having a healthy, young & pure skin over the long run is what everybody NEEDS, as boring as it sounds, the glowing golden summer tan is not very healthy. wear your sunscreens , not only on summer , not only on the beach , wear them every single day , cleanse , moisturize , and apply , then re-apply again , your skin will thank you later.
