Summer is truly the best season as it brings lots of fun under the sun with endless outdoor activities.

However, as much as the sun offers light, warmth, and vitamin D, it’s important to remember that overexposure to the sun can lead to skin damage like premature aging and skin cancers. That’s why it’s essential to use sunscreen when spending time outdoors. But with so many options on the market, choosing the perfect sunscreen can be challenging.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect sunscreen in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Determine Your Skin Type and Needs

The first step in choosing the perfect sunscreen is to know your skin type and needs.

Do you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin? Do you have acne-prone skin or are you looking for a sunscreen that won’t clog your pores? Answering these questions will help you find the right sunscreen for your skin type. Here are some things to consider:.

For Oily Skin:

Look for oil-free or gel-based sunscreens that are lightweight and non-greasy. Avoid cream-based sunscreens as they can be too heavy for oily skin and may cause breakouts.

For Dry Skin:

Choose a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection and has moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Avoid alcohol-based sunscreens as they can cause dryness and irritation.

For Sensitive Skin:

Look for sunscreens that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and have physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or avobenzone as they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Step 2: Choose the Right Sunscreen Formula

Now that you have identified your skin type and needs, the next step is to choose the right formula for your sunscreen. Sunscreens come in two types: mineral and chemical. Here’s what you need to know:.

Mineral Sunscreens:

Also known as physical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens use natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on your skin that reflects the sun’s harmful rays.

They are ideal for people with sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast on your skin, but newer formulations are now available that are cosmetically elegant.

Chemical Sunscreens:

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use synthetic compounds that absorb the sun’s harmful rays and convert them into heat, which is then released.

They are often preferred for their ease of use, as they are lightweight and absorb easily into the skin. However, some chemical sunscreens can cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Chemical sunscreens can also contain ingredients that are harmful to marine life, so if you plan to swim in the ocean or other bodies of water, it’s best to choose a mineral sunscreen.

Step 3: Check the SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection

Finally, it’s important to check the sun protection factor (SPF) and if the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. Here’s what you need to know:.

SPF:

SPF is a measure of how much protection a sunscreen provides against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and skin damage. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers.

However, it’s worth noting that no sunscreen provides 100% protection, so it’s still important to take other sun protection measures like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding the sun during peak hours.

Broad-Spectrum Protection:

UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and can penetrate glass, while UVB rays cause sunburn and are blocked by glass.

It’s therefore important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunscreens that have “broad-spectrum” on the label.

In Conclusion

Choosing the perfect sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these three easy steps, you can find the right sunscreen for your skin type and needs, choose the right formula, and check the SPF and broad-spectrum protection.

Remember to always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors, and remember to reapply every two hours to ensure maximum protection.