Sunscreen has become a staple in every
person’s closet. Irrespective of gender, in India, sunscreen use has become a
routine mainly to avoid tanning and prevent skin darkening. There is an
overload of information on the web about how you should be choosing the best
sunscreen. Despite this, there are a few key factors
that you should take note of to get the maximum benefit from your sunscreen.
USE SUNSCREEN EVEN WHILE INDOORS
A lot of homemakers swear that they do not
step into the sun. They may not consider the small amount of sun exposure that
they get while hanging clothes on the terrace or walking to a nearby
departmental store as significant. There is also sunlight entering our houses
through glass windows. This is significant to worsen sun-related skin problems
like melasma and freckles. Thus, it becomes vital that you use a sunscreen even
while indoors.
USE SUNSCREEN EVEN IF IT IS RAINING
Cloudy weather with a pleasant, cool breeze
is everyone’s delight. You may head out to an outdoor café to sip on some
coffee with your friends. In such a situation, skipping sunscreen just because
it is not sunny is not acceptable. Remember that UV rays of the sun can
reach the ground after penetrating the cloud cover. So always use a sunscreen
even if it is cloudy or raining.
USE SUNSCREEN EVEN IN WINTERS
Using sunscreen only when
you think the weather is hot is the wrong thing to do! Ultraviolet rays of the
sun are present even in winters and not just in summers. It is the sun’s
infrared rays that determine the temperature and not the UV rays. Using sunscreen during winters is inevitable if you want to avoid tanning.
USE A SUNSCREEN EVEN WHILE TRAVELLING
A lot of people find
it silly to apply sunscreen if they are in an AC car! Can you see the
sunlight all around your car windows? These rays can obviously penetrate the
glass as they are not tinted. Tinted glasses also allow up to 20% of UV rays to
enter the car. Do not skip the sunscreen if you are in an AC car or a bus.
USE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SUNSCREEN
You may often feel
that you are tanning in spite of using sunscreen religiously and thus keep
switching brands. But what you need to check is whether you are applying the
right amount of sunscreen. 3 ml (a little more than half a teaspoon) is
necessary to cover the face+ neck and each arm. 6 ml (a little more than one
teaspoon) is necessary to cover each leg to get the best protection.
CHOOSE A SUNSCREEN BEST SUITED FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
The common reason
why people stop using sunscreen is because they find it too oily and sticky.
This is more so in humid weather conditions.
If you have oily skin, choose a matte finish sunscreen with added silicone /
dimethicone.
e.g., - La Shield
sunscreen, Lotus 3 in 1 matte-look daily sunblock
If you have dry skin, you can use a
sunscreen with added moisturizers.
e.g., - Aveeno
protect + hydrate sunscreen, Cetaphil Daylong sensitive - gel fluid
If you have normal skin, you can lucky to choose
from a whole range of products.
e.g., – Neutrogena
ultra-sheer dry-touch sunblock, Photobloc sunscreen
Repeat the sunscreen
application every 4-6 hours
You may be using a
sunscreen with a high SPF. But what matters more is that you repeat the
sunscreen every 4-6 hours to maintain its efficacy. Newer sunscreens claim that
their efficacy lasts up to 8 hours. But in hot and sultry Indian conditions, it
is always safe to repeat its application every 4 hours. Always repeat the sunscreen
if you are swimming or into outdoor activities that involve heavy sweating.
Keeping these small
pointers in mind will ensure that no matter which brand you choose, you will
get the best results from your sunscreen.
Dr. Preethi Nagaraj is a
senior dermatologist, nature lover, and a travel writer. A firm believer that
‘the key to healthy skin is a healthy diet and a fit body’, she is the medical
director of Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kochi. She regularly blogs about skin
and hair issues on her website www.kochidermatologist.com/blog.
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for
more products, tips, and natural remedies. And to buy natural handmade organic
products click soaponic.com. Follow my personal Instagram account sumannarayanofficial.
Love,
Suman Narayan
Good and informative. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWinter sunscreen is often neglected
ReplyDeleteExcellent post and info on Sunscreen usage!!
ReplyDeleteWell written ! Sunscreens are often neglected!
ReplyDeleteGreat topic to discuss. People from hill station and winter places they do not believe on application of sun screen.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic to discuss. People from hill station and winter places they do not believe on application of sun screen.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic to discuss. People from hill station and winter places they do not believe on application of sun screen.
ReplyDeleteHey nice information .. I never sun screen . Dint even knew there are different sun screen for different skin type. By now will definitely give a try.
ReplyDeleteWow..this is very helpful stuff... never new about different typed of sun screen for different type of skin... will take note of it before buying next time
ReplyDeleteThis is too much of information...
ReplyDeleteNice Blog !!
ReplyDeleteFind here the best best trichologist near me.