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The Benefits of Sunscreen: Which SPF to choose During Summers?

The Benefits of Sunscreen: Which SPF to choose During Summers? - Glutone

Bright summer days bring the time to enjoy the days at the beach doing fun activities like surfing and swimming. However, it also brings multiple skin problems like tan, sunburn, pigmentation, etc. So what is the solution we have to enjoy the fun weather while having radiating skin? 

The answer is a sunscreen! However, the effectiveness of a sunscreen depends on the SPF. SPF means the Sun Protection Factor. And it is related to the sun burns which may be caused by UV Type B rays from the sun. It is the extension of time duration that leads to sunburn if we go out in the sun with a sunscreen. Therefore, wearing a SPF 30 will keep the skin protected 30 times more than applying no sunscreen at all. On the other hand, SPF 50 will provide 50 times longer protection than going out without applying sunscreen. But how to decide which sunblock cream or sunscreen lotion is best suited for you? Here is a quick guide for various aspects to consider while choosing the best SPF and its benefits so that scorching sun rays don't spoil your summer plans.


Benefits of sunscreen

Protection from sunburn

Sunscreen is an excellent tool to fight skin damage caused due to UV rays. Excessive exposure to sun rays results in painful rashes and sunburn. Since sun damages take longer to heal, it is necessary to use good protective creams like Glutone sunscreen whenever you are stepping out, even in cold weather.


Reduces sun spots and tan

Sunspots are the primary reason for ageing. They are the result of hyperpigmentation and cause severe discolouration of the skin. Major body parts that get sunspots include the face, arms, shoulder, and back. Even due to moderate sun exposure skin may tan. Therefore, applying a generous amount of sunscreen to these body parts regularly is necessary.


Protects from bruising

Glutone sunscreen reduces the risk of bruising of the skin resulting from thinning of skin blood vessels. This is more true with those who have lighter skin tone. Telangiectasias, commonly known as skin blood vessels, burst due to continuous exposure to the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is essential for protecting skin from bleeding and bruising.


Skin cancer protection

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to use sunblock cream with higher and broader SPF when you need to be in the sun for more than 2 hours for any activity. 


Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Sunscreen

Sun exposure

Choosing a sunscreen depends upon how much sun exposure you will be getting. For minor exposure, you can choose a sunscreen for face with SPF of 15 and use it with your regular moisturising cream. However, if you need to be outside for a longer duration, you must consider choosing a sunblock cream with higher SPF value.

For protecting your skin from scorching sun rays, it is necessary to go for at least SPF 30 or SPF 50. However, you need to consider that it only protects from UVB rays leaving the gap for UVA rays penetration. Therefore, it is advised to go for sunscreen creams that provide broader protection. Look out for the PA rating. PA++ and above is good enough in Indian context. 


Ingredients

Sunscreens come in 2 major variants. Mineral sunscreens contain mostly Zinc Oxide. Sometimes these come as anhydrous sunscreens. Other is Mineral (Inorganic) + Organic Sunscreens. Mineral suscreens are considered to be safe however, the organic sunscreens available today like Tinosorb, UVinul etc are also well tested for safety and stability. Well formulated chemical sunscreens offer complete coverage against both UVA and UVB rays. Blue light (emitted by electronic screens) protection is another need today as we spend lot of time in front of laptops. 

Water-Resistant sunscreen

This is desirous especially when you want to go swimming or any other activity that requires exposure to water. In that case, it is necessary to buy a waterproof sunscreen for face and body. However, a true water-resistant sunscreen usually becomes too tacky. So buy is only if you really need it. Otherwise, a sweat-resistant sunscreen is good for daily outdoor activities.  

Spray sunscreen

Spray sunscreens are mostly preferred by parents of active toddlers as these sunscreens are easy to apply. However, the spray sunscreen for the face must be applied carefully avoiding any damage to the eyes.

Sunscreen acts as a protective layer for your skin. It doesn't matter what the weather is; UV rays are always active throughout the year. Even when the sky is cloudy. Therefore, it is crucial to wear sunscreen for face and body whenever you need to be out in the sun. Not only this, reapplication of sunscreen every two hours is equally important for a broader skin protection from sun damage. 
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