National Sunscreen Day: Understanding Your Skin Type And The Perfect Sunscreen For It

1. Full Light Technology as your rescue:

The first step is to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Opt for water-resistant formulations, especially in humid climates. It's also essential to choose a sunscreen with Full Light Technology, which defends against harmful infrared rays and visible light, preventing tanning, stubborn pigmentation, and premature aging due to sun exposure.

2. Importance of Consistent Sunscreen Application:

Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to be absorbed by the skin. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

Remember to reapply after towelling off, as water can reduce the sunscreen’s effectiveness. It's crucial to understand that the effectiveness of sunscreen isn't everlasting.

Over time, external factors such as heat, humidity, and sweat, along with the continuous exposure to UV rays, can significantly reduce the protective properties of your sunscreen.

3. Choosing a matte sunscreen for yourself:

It is advised to choose a matte sunscreen that offers comprehensive protection against the full solar spectrum, including UV, IR, and Visible radiation.

This type of sunscreen is lightweight and comfortable, tackling the typical issue of high SPF products being oily and patchy.

4. Know your skin before buying a sunscreen:

Adopting a simple yet effective skincare routine is fundamental for maintaining healthy skin.

A crucial initial step in this process is identifying your specific skin type - be it oily, dry, combination, or well-balanced normal. This allows you to select the most suitable sunscreen formulation for your skin.

Make sunscreen the final, essential step in your daily skincare routine to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and maintain its health and appearance.

Inputs By: Dr Aparna Santhanam, Dermatologist and Skin Care Expert at ITC Dermafique