How to Choose the Right Sunscreen to Prevent Premature Aging?
The primary approach when it comes to skin aging and maintaining young skin is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is known to be one of the primary culprits for forming early signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or pigment spots. Nevertheless, these problems can be solved with a proper skincare regime, however, prevention is undoubtedly better than cure. This is where sunscreen comes into the picture—our first shield against skin aging due to sun exposure.
As for its specifics, let it suffice to say that at Ojas Skin Care we know how valuable your skin is and it is our priority to do everything in our power to preserve it. So when it comes to selecting a sunscreen there are so many products available in the market today. Read further to get a detailed guide to assist you in choosing the right sunscreen that will save you from aging early.
1. Understand the Importance of SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor which is a means of assessing how effectively a sunscreen can shield your skin from UVB rays – these are responsible for initial skin burning and contribute to skin cancers and aging.
SPF Levels:
- SPF 15: Blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
- SPF 50: Blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 and SPF 50 may look like they barely differ, but any additional protection is helpful, particularly if you have sensitive skin or a family history of skin cancer. As for daily use, this is where sunscreen with an SPF 30 plus is advised.
2. Broad-Spectrum Protection
When selecting a sunscreen product, ensure that the one you are purchasing has the label ‘broad spectrum.’ This is because the product will protect you from both UVA and UVB radiation. However, while UVB rays cause the immediate feeling of burning, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for skin aging and wrinkles formation.
Key Point: A sunscreen with an extended range of coverage will shield your skin from both forms of radiation that causes skin aging.
3. Consider Your Skin Type
Different skin types require different formulations of sunscreen. Here’s how to choose based on your skin type:
- Oily Skin: Choose oil-free, noncomedogenic products to minimize the risk of capable clogging. Liquid formulations are preferable and might be based on gel or water solutions.
- Dry Skin: It is recommended to go for sunscreens that contain extra moisturizers. Sunblocks in the form of creams that contain some moisturizing elements like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are perfect.
- Sensitive Skin: Select non-chemical or physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Such ingredients are normally not likely to cause the skin to react negatively like chemical ones in sunscreen.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Non-comedogenic and oil-free products are better. Stay away from those containing oils or fragrances that may result in acne formation on the skin.
4. Choose Between Chemical and Physical Sunscreens
Sunscreens generally fall into two categories: chemical and physical. Understanding the difference can help you make an informed choice.
Chemical Sunscreens: These include organic chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and Octinoxate; they act to absorb UV radiation and transmute it into heat, which is then emitted from the skin. The chemical sunscreens are usually very thin, and they can be spread easily across the skin making them suitable for everyday use.
Physical Sunscreens: Often referred to as mineral sunscreens, these products contain such natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that remain on the skin’s surface where they bounce off the UV rays. These types of sunscreens are usually recommended for delicate skin as they are not as likely to develop reactions on the skin.
Expert Tip: If you are worried about the possibility of skin irritation, or you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to go for a physical sunscreen. When it comes to chemical sunscreens, they are preferable because they are easy to apply and easy to be absorbed by the skin.
5. Look for Added Skin Benefits
It is essential to know that the effectiveness of many new sunscreens often consists of anti-aging components that benefit skin health. Examples of such ingredients include antioxidants such as vitamins C and E that can counter free radicals, which are damaging molecules that lead to skin aging. Also, certain sunscreens contain peptides or ceramides, which help the skin to renew and replenish its cells.
Key Point: If you want to go the extra mile and pamper your skin then you should go for a sunscreen that has wrinkle-fighting benefits.
6. Check the Water Resistance
Whether you are going to swim or just exercise, there is water resistance to consider. To be specific, there are sunscreens described as water-resistant that are capable of maintaining their protection in case they come into contact with water or sweat. They come with labels indicating whether they are water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. So, it is imperative to note that no sunscreen is waterproof and thus, re-application is advisable.
Expert Tip: For outdoor use, only use water-resistant products and you should use the products every two hours especially when swimming or sweating.
7. Don’t Forget the Application
The best sunscreen in the world will not be of much use if it is not applied properly. In general, people fail to cover their body parts adequately with sunblock, so they do not receive maximum protection.
- How Much to Use: Use about a shot glass volume of sunscreen that equates to one ounce to protect the whole body. For the face, use approximately the size of a five-cent piece of skincare.
- When to Apply: Sunscreen can be reapplied 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun to ensure it penetrates the skin.
- Reapplication: Wear every two hours or if swimming, toweling off the skin, or sweating.
8. Don’t Rely Solely on Sunscreen
A caution though, don’t think that putting on lotion and sunscreen is enough. However, the use of sunscreens should be seen as only a component of sun protection. Wear protective garments, headgear, and accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and avoid direct sun exposure from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Like, it is advisable to take extra measures for prevention from sunburn during peak sun hours as well as wearing protective clothing.
Key Point: It is advisable to wear sunscreen alongside other products to offer the best coverage against skin aging.
Conclusion
Selecting the proper sunblock is an important procedure in avoiding skin aging. Looking at aspects like SPF, broad-spectrum protection, skin type, or additional skincare properties, it is possible to find a sunscreen that will not only protect the skin but also improve the skin’s condition.
At Ojas Skin Care, we understand that your skin is unique and because of this, we make available to you a variety of dermatologist-recommended sunscreens. Just a reminder the best thing is to start young and always apply sunscreen to your face and body. Come to us today to discover our extensive range of sunscreen suitable for your skin tone and activities. Just imagine how happy your future self will be when it will not have to spend money that could be used to cover other expenses!
