Sunscreen is that one item every person should include in their skincare routine.
Exposure to the harmful Ultraviolet rays of the sun is the main reason for premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Prolonged exposure to sun rays could result in skin cancer. You can ensure you take care of your skin by never skipping on sunscreen even while staying indoors. Sun rays can pass through windows and can cause damage.
Here are a few basics about sunscreen you should know before buying a sunscreen:-
- There are 2 types of sunscreen-:Mineral and Chemical sunscreen are the 2 types of sunscreen available. Mineral sunscreen is not absorbed into the skin; it sits on the skin as a protective layer. Mineral sunscreen provides you with instant protection and leaves a white cast on the skin. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and you should wait at least 20 minutes before stepping out in into the sun.
- Choosing a Broad-spectrum sunscreen-: A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from UVA and UVB rays. UVA is responsible for causing premature aging. UVB is responsible for causing sunburns and skin redness.
- SPF rating is for UVB rays-: You may have noticed SPF30, SPF 40 used on the sunscreen tube packaging? this stands for “sun protection factor”. The higher the concentration of SPF, the higher the protection from UVB rays. Irrespective of the SPF factor, you still need to reapply it after every 3-4 hours.
- PA rating is for UVA rays-: PA rating is for UVA rays. The higher the PA rating, you increase your protection UVA rays.
As time has advanced we now have access to more sunscreen specially formulated to suit each skin type. Do remember these basics while making any sunscreen purchase.