HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SUNSCREEN
One of the most important yet most overlooked step of a skincare regimen is wearing a sunscreen. A sunscreen protects our skin by creating a shield on it. It blocks the harmful sun rays and protects our skin from irritation, redness, and other skin problems.
But how to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type? Let’s find out.
Keep in mind these 3 things while choosing a sunscreen:
Spectrum
Formulation
Skin Type
When to wear a sunscreen?
365 days a year. Yes! People often remember a sun protection when going on a beach or on a playground, which turns out to be a huge misconception. Sunscreen is a part of your everyday skincare routine, whether inside or outside the house.
Type of Sunscreens:
- Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are formulated with Zinc and Titanium oxide.
They form a superficial layer on the skin that bounces away the sunrays.
It starts working immediately after application, unlike chemical sunscreens.
If not blended well, they may leave a white cast on the skin.
- Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are carbon-based, formulated with Avobenzone and Oxybenzone.
They absorb UV radiations to prevent them from entering the inner skin layers.
It takes 20-30 minutes after application to start working.
- Blend
Here’s the best of both the worlds. For quick application that doesn’t leave a white cast, there are formulations now available in the market with a blend of both physical and chemical sunscreens.
FORMULATION:
There are many formulations available in the market. You can pick yours based on the ease of application and your skin type.
- Lotions: Light, non-greasy formula, that works on most days.
Skin Type: Normal to Dry
- Cream: Thick, moisturizing formula, perfect for winters.
Skin Type: Dry
- Powder: A few compact powders come with sunscreen infused in them. That helps with both color correction and sun protection at once. Like ZM Golden Sand – Pollution Defense CC Compact SPF 30 . It gives matte finish that makes it perfect for humid to dry days. These kind of formulations are handy, especially in form of a compact powder for all skin types.
Skin Type: Oily, Dry, Normal.
SPECTRUM:
Protection:
Look for a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA & UVB. UVB are responsible for skin tanning and sunburn, while UVA enters deep inside and can cause cell damage. Therefore, a broad-spectrum formulation can save you from both.
SPF
Dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 for a normal urban to semi-urban lifestyle. SPF 50 is considered to give only marginally better protection (just by 1%-2% more) but is relatively heavier on pocket.
PPD Along with that, it is important to check the PPD – Persistent Pigment Darkening – of the product. It measures how protective a sunscreen is against tanning. Look for PA+ sign on your sunscreen. Fortunately, color correcting cosmetics like ZM Pollution Defense CC Compact Powder with SPF 30 comes with PA+++ that gives you extra protection.
SKIN TYPE
| SKIN TYPE | DRY | OILY | NORMAL | SENSITIVE | ACNE-PRONE |
| NEEDS | HYDRATION | MATTE-FINISH | APPROPRIATE PROTECTION | NO NASTY CHEMICALS | PREVENTS CLOGGING OF PORES |
| SUITABLE SUNSCREEN | A moisturizing sunscreen will keep your skin hydrated and protect it against sunrays at the same time. If you are looking for an SPF infused compact powder for dry skin, here’s an option with SPF 30 PA+++ in four beautiful shades. | A gel-based or powder-based product that doesn’t clog your pores is the best choice of sun protection, Here’s a perfect choice of compact powder for oily skin that gives matte finish and prevents greasing. | You should choose a sunscreen basis your lifestyle needs. If you are on the field most of the time, go for a physical sunscreen. However, if you are in a job that demands you to be prim and proper, try a color-correcting formula that will serve two purposes at once. Try this compact powder for all skin types. | If you have a sensitive skin, be weary of what you use topically. Save yourself from nasty ingredients like parabens in a sunscreen. Ideally a physical sunscreen is a safer choice to avoid irritation and rashes. Looking for a color correcting formula with SPF for sensitive skin? Buy compact online here. | People with acne-prone skin, need to be extra careful while choosing any skincare product. Look for a ‘non-comedogenic label’ on your sunscreen or a color corrector blended with SPF. Make sure it is free from nasty chemicals, parabens and is dermatologically tested. Thankfully, ZM Pollution Defense CC Compact Powder with SPF 30 PA+++ has no chemical nasties, is free from drying alcohols, parabens and is 100% vegetarian. |
HOW TO APPLY A SUNSCREEN
Follow this routine to make sure you keep your skin always protected – CTPM is the Shortest Skincare Routine Ever
Chemical Sunscreen: Apply it before using a moisturizer as it needs to absorb into the skin.
Make sure you apply it 20-30 minutes before stepping out for it to act efficiently.
Physical Sunscreen: Apply it after using a moisturizer as it acts as a barrier to the skin and bounces away the sunrays. This can be applied immediately before stepping out.
Powder-Based: If you are using a compact powder infused with SPF, it’s completely fine to apply it after your makeup, as a final layer to protect your skin.
And that was your guide to choosing a sunscreen. Don’t forget, your sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful sun rays but also from blue rays coming from the devices. It is suggested to apply a sunscreen every three to four hours for best effect.