We’ve all read and heard a bazillion number of dos and don’ts when it comes to sunscreen application. The skincare industry places a key emphasis on sunscreen and dermatologists give it paramount importance too. Well, sunscreens are that necessary to add to your skin care routine because they not only guard our skin against the harmful UVA and UVB rays but also keep sun damage-related small-to-big skin concerns at bay.
In today’s day and age, skipping sunscreen is as good as committing a sin for your skin, since you’re exposing your naked skin to the sun at a time when the rays have become more detrimental than ever and inviting issues like pigmentation, fine lines, dark spots, uneven skin tone, dullness and so much more besides the fatal skin cancer. While most of us have made sunscreen an evident part of our morning skincare routine, high chances are that we’re not going about it in the right way. Unsure of where you’re going wrong? These are a few common sunscreen mistakes that we must stop making at the earliest.
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Not Using The Right Formula
Most of the time, our boredom or disinterest in applying sunscreen stems from the after-effects of it like greasiness, white cast, an oily film and so on. On the contrary, someone who has dry skin may find usual sunscreen formulae too thick and tough to blend out. Thus, to befriend and accept sunscreen, it’s crucial to pick the right one according to your skin type to avoid post-application discomfort. Here’s the ideal formula according to your skin type:
Oily Skin: Matte Gel, Spray, Powder-finish
Normal Skin: Non-drying lotion, Spray
Dry Skin: Moisturising Cream
Not Using An Adequate SPF in Sunscreens
When you think of sunscreen, you automatically think of its SPF strength. What was best available at SPF 15 and 20 about 10-15 years ago has become SPF 100 today too. The strength of the SPF is directly linked to the protection it’s offering, for obvious reasons. However, SPF 50 is considered to be the most ideal pick. In no way should you go below SPF 40. Additionally, another important thing to note is if your sunscreen is offering broad spectrum protection or not. The term refers to protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which is needed to keep all-round sun damage at bay. It’s 2022 and if your sunscreen doesn’t offer broad spectrum protection, ditch it.
Not Reapplying Sunscreens At Regular Intervals
While this sounds like the most tedious, inconvenient and messy thing to do, it isn’t really that bad, thanks to modern innovations that make sunscreen reapplication so fuss-free and easy. From non-sticky spray ons to SPF-infused powders, you name it and you have it if you’re clear about the importance of reapplying sunscreen. Honestly, mattifying sunscreen are the best option if you’re not wearing any base.
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Not Using Enough
This is one of the most common mistakes that we make. You think you’re using an SPF and mentally breathing a sigh of relief while the insufficient amount of sunscreen may not be helping that much in reality. Ideally, you must use sunscreen that is enough to fill the bottom of a shot glass for your face. Remember, it’s not applying sunscreen, but applying it correctly that makes a difference.
Not Applying At Some Common Spots
When we think of applying sunscreen, we primarily cover our face and that’s about it. But, what about your lips, ears, neck and decolletage that are equally exposed. It’s important to slather some sunscreen on your ears, decolletage, nape of the neck as well as lips (using a lip balm with SPF) so as to protect all the commonly exposed parts well.
Mistaking SPF-infused Makeup For A SPF Substitute
Today, the market is flooded with SPF-infused makeup that claims to offer ample protection. While it does something, it definitely doesn’t do everything that a sunscreen can. So, don’t make the mistake of replacing your sunscreen with SPF-infused makeup since it’s just makeup with added protection. Always wear SPF under makeup.
Mineral V/S Chemical Sunscreen: What’s The Difference?
I’ve been talking about how beauty – and skincare in specific – has become more confusing than ever before. The umteen amount of information has led to extreme reactions; either one ends up feeling disconnected with skincare space or ends up indulging in a gluttony of it. Both are, btw, not the best things for your skin. If the complex jargon of ingredients (and their benefits) weren’t complicated enough, sunscreens also have types now. Yep, you heard that right. And with types, I don’t mean varying SPFs, there are legit formulations that vary considerably. The most common ones – chemical and mineral sunscreen. Before you slide into a state of apprehension, pause and breathe because we’ve got you all the information that you need to wrap your head around ‘em both plus understand which suits you best.
What’s Mineral Sunscreen?
You may have come across the term ‘mineral sunscreen’ or perhaps ‘physical sunscreen’ at some point – they mean the same thing. “Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the active chemicals in a mineral sunscreen. To prevent UV radiation, mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin. Mineral sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, which is excellent in a sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens also contain chemicals that generally cause lesser irritation to the skin,” says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder, ISAAC Luxe. You can think of the good ol’ traditional ones when you think of mineral sunscreen that had a relatively heavier and telltale finish. “Mineral ones tend to give you a white cast, but newer formulations are far more pleasant to use, even if you have a darker skin tone. Mineral a.k.a physical ones have come a long way since their chalky, white and difficult-to-apply forerunners. Many brands now produce physical sunscreens that are simple to apply and attractive,” adds Dr Geetika.
What Are Chemical Sunscreens?
Have you been hooked to velvet-matte, smooth and invisible sunscreens recently? High chances are that they’re chemical ones. Soft, skin-loving and very sheer, chemical ones seem to have successfully rekindled everyone’s love affair with sun protection. “Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and octisalate on the other hand allow some sun rays or the UV rays to penetrate in, but chemically change them or chemically block them in a way that they are not harmful to you. So, therefore, that doesn’t harm the skin,” says Dr Rashmi Shetty, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Sol Skin Corp.
Mineral v/s Chemical Sunscreen
Besides the ingredients and textures, there are many differences in these two prominent formulations. Most significantly, in the way they work. “Physical sunscreens have a more matte finish but at the same time they may leave a white deposit, but these days the nicer, micronised ones don’t leave a white deposit. Chemical ones, on the other hand, can be more absorbent, so therefore, it doesn’t sit on the skin and acts like a moisturiser by getting into the skin. It doesn’t leave a white cast either,” explains Dr Rashmi. “Mineral sunscreen is advised for people with dry or normal skin and especially suited for sensitive skin types, whereas chemical sunscreen is indicated for all skin types (except sensitive). You can also use a combination of the two forms of sunscreen to get the best results,” suggests Dr Geetika. Speaking of the final distinction, Dr. Rashmi cites, “If you’re applying makeup, sometimes the physical sunscreen which is sitting on top might flake – it might start piling but that doesn’t happen with a chemical sunscreen.
Enough has been said and described about the formulae – it’s now time to know what to pick and what to ditch. “For special conditions like red skin or irritated skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin, rosacea-prone skin a physical sunscreen will be much better than using chemical sunscreen,” suggests Dr Rashmi. “Make your selection based on your skin type and activity. If you are outdoors and indulging in sports then it’s best to choose a water- and sweat-resistant sunblock. Physical sunblocks are effective immediately on application as it blocks the sun rays from entering the skin. However chemical sunblocks take about 15-20 min to start being effective,” points out Dr Geetika. Dr Rashmi sheds light on the wonders of a hybrid formulation, “Most modern ones are a combination of physical and chemical. There are also tinted ones which are wonderful to wear. And, they too, are a mixture of physical and chemical.” Finally Dr Geetika spills the golden words, “The best sunblock in my opinion is the one which you are able to use frequently.” She adds, “ It should be at least 30 SPF or higher.”
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/story/what-does-spf-mean
https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/mineral-vs-chemical-whats-the-difference-228250.html https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-for-summer
https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-face-
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-choose-best-according-these-dermatologists-ncna1002451
