I wonder why some people use sunscreen to prevent tanning especially in Indian countries but in European countries they apply sun tanning lotion to promote sun tan. I guess I am not alone.
In many Indian communities, there’s a misconception that working hard under the sun signifies poverty, which doesn’t reflect the reality of today’s circumstances. However, changing this perception can be challenging despite the evolved societal conditions. Lets know about tan!
In European countries, a tan acquired after a vacation often signifies enjoyable time spent on beaches, associating it with leisure rather than hardship. Whether you have a tan or not, you look beautiful either way, without a doubt. Our focus remains on the health aspects of tanning and ensuring proper sun protection.
There are more than 30 companies manufacturing skin care products and numerous products are available in the market.
I assure you that at the end of this post, you will know which product will suit you.
Table of Contents
- Sunscreen is good or bad?
- I have a natural tan should I use sunscreen?
- What SPF is enough for me?
- How to use sunscreen?
- Best sunscreen for women’s faces.
Sunscreen is good or bad?
Indian skin is more prone to tanning than other skin types.
Sunlight exposure ∝ Suntan
Tanning is caused when skin is exposed to the sun. Skin produces tan that acts as a barrier and prevents skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Sunburns and sun tan are both caused by the sun. But the difference is that sun tan can be beneficial but sunburn is not.
Sunburn caused by UV radiation may cause DNA damage on repeated exposure which poses the threat of skin cancer.
I am coming back to the point. Is sunscreen good or bad?
Sun protection is very much necessary for all skin types to protect the skin from harmful rays. It does not come under the class of cosmetics (a product used to improve or maintain the appearance of skin). Sunscreen comes under the class of drug (a product that treats, prevents, or mitigates the disease).
Are you using sunscreen for cosmetic reasons to avoid tanning? Tanning is not dangerous and is completely a natural process but will make your skin one scale darker.
Tanning indicates skin damage due to sunlight exposure. Not the serious damage you are thinking! this damage is just the defense mechanism.
Sun protection not only prevents you from tanning but also protects your skin from dangerous UV exposure.
I have a natural tan should I use sunscreen?
Tan is a natural protection mechanism created by our skin. But tan has a much lower SPF of 2-4 which acts as a poor sunscreen and increases the chance of skin damage by UV rays.
So, yes you should use an artificial one even If you have a natural tan.
What SPF is enough for me?
SPF 30 is enough if you are not an outdoor person who spends less time in sunlight. If you are properly applying sunscreen, you are well protected with SPF 30.
SPF 50 or higher is recommended for persons or children who spend more time outdoors.
SPF 100 is not necessary for proper protection. Whatever SPF you use reapply every 2 hours for best protection. Also, FDA’s highest recommended SPF is SPF 50.
You will get sunburn even if you are using SPF 100 but not applying it properly.
I am sporting which causes me to sweat more or I am swimming often which washes away all my cream. Don’t worry, using water-resistant sunscreen is your solution.
If you are swimming consider buying a sunscreen today because the water surface will reflect sunlight which speeds up tanning. Also, chlorine present in swimming pools will dry your skin and add up to skin damage.
How to use sunscreen?
Many of us know how to use a sunscreen. Yeah you are absolutely right the two finger rule.
Two fingers for face and neck or the three finger rule based on your face size. But hey there! Do not hesitate to experiment to find the perfect coverage for your face.
In fact no universal rule applies for everyone that’s just a standard rule.
If your face looks too oily after two finger application, I suggest taking a pea sized amount or one finger length sunscreen and apply it once wait few minutes, take another pea sized portion, apply it once again. Tataah!! There you go.
Reapply every two hours when you are in sun or not. Cover your skin with clothes whenever possible.
Best sunscreen for women’s faces.
Dermatologists would say “The best sunscreen is the one you are using”.
However, I wonder what’s the best in the sea-like market. I am no professional analyst but as a pharmacist, I assure you that you can rely on this post for choosing one for you.
As, Sunscreen is used on daily basis. I have listed products that are free of harmful chemicals like parabens, fragrance and carcinogens.
You necessarily don’t have to change the one that you are using. All I am listing is better products and the final decision is yours based on your need.
The products mentioned below are purely my suggestion and no promotions were done. I would suggest the same sunscreen even if my sister asks.
Minimalist SPF 30 Body lotion
If you have normal to dry skin. Then, minimalist sunscreen will work good for you. Minimalist is a hybrid sunscreen which has both mineral and chemical in it. This also contains moisturizer which nourishes your skin leaving no white cast on application.
Apply 10-20 minutes before getting in sun. The chemicals takes a little time to build a barrier.
Aroma Magic Sunscreen Sun Block Lotion, SPF 30
Sensitive skin people always has less choice in choosing products. If you are one of them here is your sunscreen that will protect you without harsh chemicals. Zinc oxide works like a shield without penetrating your skin. This products also has various options for skin type. This may leave a little white cast after application.
It also works immediately so that you don’t have to wait to have all the fun outside.
Deconstruct Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 55+
As the name suggest this is a mineral sunscreen. Make sure you buy the same product mentioned below because other chemical sunscreen of the same brand contains Benzophenone-3. If you are this much interested in reading a skincare blog I bet this chemical would be your least favorite thing on skin.
Cetaphil Combination Skin Sun Spf 30 Sunscreen
As the name suggests this sunscreen is suggested for combination and sensitive skin. This does not create a greasy feel and the gel based cream is easily absorbed into skin.
Sunscreen for infants
Your children spends more time under sunlight than you. They require the best sun protection than any other member in the family.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Start applying sunscreen once your infant crosses 6 months of age. Its parents duty to prevent their children from harmful rays. Some important points to keep in mind while choosing sunscreen for children.
- Give first preference to mineral sunscreen.
- Avoid spray type sunscreen to prevent inhalation risk.
- Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
Suncros Soft Gel
This is another option from trusted brand which is suitable for both children and adults because this is mineral sunscreen in gel form suitable for various skin type.
It’s not a crime to use adult sunscreen for children also choosing an extra care for those sensitive skin is not too much.
Read my other blogs that’s too informative.
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