Even though you should be wearing SPF all year round, but it’s “officially” SPF season and we’re going to share 5 do’s and don’ts of sunscreens with you so you can protect your skin from damage. Hyper-pigmentation, melasma, wrinkles, melanom and what not, the list of damage caused by not using SPF is long.
It’s so important to guard your skin from sun exposure that we’re often left confused about the type of product we need to use so these 5 do’s and don’ts of sunscreens will hopefully help you in figuring out on how to take care of your skin and avoid any potential harm.
Also, if you’re looking for the best type of sunscreen, considering the slew of brands out in the mark, here are a few (and top) sunscreen recommendations.
5 Do’s & Don’ts of Sunscreens
Do: Apply 15 Minutes Before Going Out
Just like any good skin care or makeup product, you need to apply it in the time enough for it to settle down, so when it comes to sunscreens, apply it 15-20 min before leaving so it can get absorbed in your skin.
Do: Pick The Right Type of Sunscreen According To Your Skin Type
Sensitive, dry, oily, combination, acne-prone (or have a skin condition like rosacea or eczema) and the fact that we all break out, so purchase a product that suits your skins need. Obviously it’s better if your dermatologist recommended you one, but don’t just rush to get one and read on what’s best for your skin type, what ingredients suit you/ and formula so you don’t react to any chemicals.
Do: Invest In A Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
So basically a very good broad spectrum covers from both UVA and UVB rays that majorly harm our skin and the whole idea is to BLOCK these rays and avoid fine lines, pigmentation, uneven skin texture, big pores, coarsening of the skin and loss of collagen and all that’s going to make your skin saggy. Don’t get fooled by SPF 50+ because that’s not also fully effective, so get something that plays a role in fighting UVA and UVB rays.
Do: Apply & Re-Apply
Did you know that there is a golden rule to apply and re-apply sunscreen after every 2 hours? Well, now you do! And don’t forget to cover your ears/ear lobes and even lips if you’re having an outdoorsy kind of a day.
Do: Wear A Generous Amount
Don’t get scrimpy or miss places like your neck and arms when applying sunscreen like 2-3 tbsp for the face and 2-3 tbsp for the other parts of the avoid. You don’t want to sunburn now, do you?
Don’t: Sunscreen Is Not For Fair Skin
Sunscreens are for EVERY SKIN COLOR. The problem with fair skin is that, the damage shows, whereas people with dark skin tone, even though get equally effected, but the damage shows over time. So, please don’t live under this cloud of assumption that “goray hain tu SPF chahya”.
Don’t: Hoarding Sunscreens
Sunscreens expire quickly, so don’t use that old cream or lotion and keep changing it every 3 months for the key ingredients to stay active. It also depends on where you’re keeping the sunscreen (ranging from temperatures).
Don’t: Spray Sunscreens
Spray Sunscreens don’t really fulfill the purpose and you often miss places. Moreover you can either get too much product in one place and less else where so to balance it out, miss the spray. And we’re sure that you don’t want to “inhale” the sunscreen.
Don’t: Avoid Nice Smelling Sunscreens
Avoid sunscreens that smell good, and invest in a non-fragrant SPF to avoid allergic reactions to synthetic fragrances. You have perfumes to smell good.
Don’t: SPF Makeup
Although make up with SPF does count, but the idea is to apply enough SPF on all the places of your face like your lips and your ears for protection. And we often use makeup for basic looks and touch-up’s, so don’t just reply on that. Apply sunscreen and then wear makeup.
