What to consider when buying sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is an essential step in a skincare routine, but with lots of sunscreens on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here, we’ll try to make this a bit less complicated by telling you what you need to consider when buying sunscreen.

1. Consider SPFs looking at your skin tone

It does depend slightly on your skin colour what kind of SPF suits you best. In fact, the more melanin you have the more you are “naturally” protected against the Sun’s rays. An SPF 15 to 30 is fine if you have dark skin or have olive skin. Olive skin can be very fair too, which is why go for an SPF 30 in this case. If your skin is very fair and/or prone to burning, go for SPF 30 and above. In any case though, you should opt for SPF 50, because it gives the most protection regardless of skin tone.

2. Physical VS Chemical sunscreen

There is a difference between the two, although unclear to many. Chemical sunscreens end up being absorbed into the skin, and transform the UV rays’s wavelength to a longer one, causing less harm. They can also be sweat- or water-resistant, and they will stay so for 60-80 minutes after one application. These aren’t the most suitable ones for sensitive skin. They start working 20 minutes after you apply them.

Physical sunscreens “sit” on the skin and reflect any UV rays away from the skin. They do end up leaving a white cast on the areas where they are applied, so to avoid a ghostface look you can try a tinted one. These are better for sensitive skin as they don’t tend to go into the skin and cause any reactions there. They’re also known as mineral sunscreens. This kind of sunscreen starts working immediately.

Here the choice is pretty much up to you. We advise you consider buying both kinds of sunscreen and seeing which works for you.

3. Consider buying sunscreens for your skin type

Usually, sunscreens are formulated keeping the various skin types in mind. Alongside with knowing the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens, try to make yourself familiar with the ingredients that suit your skin type the best . Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist for this one, they’ll advise you better than the Internet.

4. Go for broad spectrum protection

Always go for sunscreens that alongside the SPF, also show that they have broad spectrum or multi-spectrum protection. They will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Why do you need to make sure they are broad spectrum? There are two main reasons. One is that UVB rays cause those sunburns that all of us fear and hate. The second is that UVA rays are present all the time there is daylight, and it’s these rays that cause photographic (premature) aging and skin cancer.

5. Check the formula of the sunscreen you’re buying

This is important, because you will need (want) to reapply your sunscreen every 2 or 3 hours. If you wear makeup then also consider buying a setting spray with SPF in it. It will set your makeup and top up your sun protection. There are various kinds of formulations:

1. Creams, gels and lotions: they’re among the most common.
2. Sticks: they have minimal chance of leakage and are the best to carry when travelling.
3. Sprays: you can opt for these if you have a lot of body hair.

6. Watch out for those antioxidants

The sun can damage your skin’s natural antioxidants, creating more free radicals. This can have bad consequences for your skin. Try to find a sunscreen with antioxidants in it. Avoid ones with retinol/vitamin A. These can make you more sensitive to the Sun and possibly cause you skin cancer.

7. Look at the expiry date

Another thing you need to consider when buying sunscreen is the expiry date. In general, most sunscreens work for 2-3 after production. After this, the amount of protection decreases. Check the expiry date on the packaging before buying it to see if it has stayed on the shelf for too long. A tip here: if your sunscreen has changed in colour, smell or texture, throw it away. Even if it hasn’t expired yet.