What kind of sunscreen do you need?
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Here's what you should look for in your sunscreen.
By now, people already know that sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, thanks to numerous brand campaigns out there.
Sunscreen helps by protecting the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause premature aging, sun spots, and skin cancer. Since ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin even when the sun isn't out, wearing sunscreen is vital. But which sunscreen should you choose though?
The Philippine Dermatological Society breaks down what you should look for in your sunscreen.
1. Broad Spectrum
For starters, pick a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection which means your sunscreen protects against Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA penetrates deep into the skin and causes long-term skin damage, aging, and wrinkles. UVB causes sunburn and turns your skin red.
2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Sun Protection Factor or SPF measures how much UVB light sunscreen can filter out. Dermalotogists recommend using an SPF of at least 30. SPF 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays.
3. Water resistance
Water resistant sunscreens must pass independent tests to prove their stated SPF level is retained even after water exposure. Choose labels that state 40-minute or 80-minute water resistance, “sweat-proof,” “waterproof,” and “sunblock” claims are no longer the only basis for water resistance.
4. Skin type
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose sunscreens that have a “non-comedogenic” label which means it doesn't block pores. If your skin is dry, look for a sunscreen that has hydrating ingredients.
5. Gel, lotion, spray, or stick?
As for the type of sunscreen (gel, lotion, spray, stick), it's all about your personal preference. Just consider a sunscreen that offers to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.
Also, bear in mind that sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you unless you use it regularly, and not just during sun exposure. Remember that UV rays are present even when it's cloudy so make your sunscreen lotion a daily habit.
