HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

1. INTRODUCTION

Sunscreen is an essential part of skincare, whether it’s summer or winter. Protecting your skin from the sun is important because exposure to UV rays can cause early aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. However, picking the right sunscreen can be confusing due to the many options available. To make it easier, here are the key things to look for when choosing a sunscreen that best suits your skin. At DNA Skin Clinic, we also recommend combining sunscreen with Glutathione Injection treatments to enhance your skin’s protection against oxidative stress and maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.

2. IMPORTANT FEATURES IN SUNSCREEN

2.1 SPF LEVEL

The Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, gauges how effectively a sunscreen blocks UVB radiation. Experts suggest using at least SPF 30 for daily protection since it blocks about 96.7% of UVB rays. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have fair skin, SPF 50 is a better choice as it offers slightly more protection.

2.2 BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION

SPF only protects against UVB rays, but UVA rays also damage the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays, preventing wrinkles, dark spots, and other sun damage.

2.3 WATER RESISTANCE

No sunscreen is completely waterproof, but some are water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes. If you are swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply it regularly.

2.4 SUNSCREEN FORMULATION

Sunscreen comes in different forms like lotions, gels, sprays, and powders. Choose one based on your skin type:

  • Dry Skin: Creams or lotions add moisture.
  • Oily Skin: Lightweight gels or matte-finish powders help control shine.
  • Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and mineral-based sunscreens work best.

3. CHEMICAL VS. MINERAL SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens are either chemical or mineral.

  • Chemical Sunscreens: absorb UV radiation and turn it into heat. Common ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.
  • Mineral Sunscreens: Contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which creates a protective layer on the skin to reflect UV rays. Experts often prefer mineral sunscreens as they are safer for sensitive skin and the environment.

4. KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR

  • Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide: Found in mineral sunscreens, these ingredients offer broad protection and are gentle on sensitive skin.
  • Antioxidants: Ingredients like green tea, vitamin C, and vitamin E help protect against environmental damage and aging.
  • Hydrating Agents: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides help keep the skin moisturized.

5. TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND AVOBENZONE

Titanium dioxide is a top sunscreen ingredient that protects against UVA and UVB rays without irritating. It’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and great for sensitive skin. However, it’s less effective against long-wave UVA rays, so it’s often combined with zinc oxide. Some sunscreens may leave a white cast.

6. INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Some chemical sunscreen ingredients can irritate or harm the environment:

  • Oxybenzone & Octinoxate: Linked to hormonal disruptions and coral reef damage.
  • Homosalate: May affect hormone function with prolonged use.

6. CONCLUSION

Using sunscreen daily is crucial for healthy skin. Choose a sunscreen based on SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. Choose mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide if you have sensitive skin. Avoid harmful ingredients and always reapply sunscreen as needed. Protecting your skin from the sun today will keep it looking healthy in the future.