What to look for when buying sunscreen

What to look for when buying sunscreen

What to look for when buying sunscreen - May 2024’s summer is going to knock on the door guys! Are you excited about flaunting in those stunning dresses and enjoying sunbathing? We know you are 😌 But wait! Have you shopped for sunscreen to keep those sunburns, tanning, and discoloration at bay while enjoying #summervibes? Great! If the answer is yes. However, before shopping for sunscreen make your do your research to choose the best sunscreen for sun protection. In this detailed exploration, we will uncover What to look for when buying sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Stay tuned!

A sunscreen is not just a bottle packed with sun protection elements, but also the ultimate way to prevent premature skin aging and safeguard the skin tone and wrinkles. Many people just shop for their favorite sunscreen without looking at their benefits and ingredients. They blindly shop for it and after visualizing those terrible outcomes on your skin, they feel regret. But we are here to protect you and your skin from those regrets. In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed what to look for when buying sunscreen, so that your skin can get desired results. No regrets, No complaints!

What to look for when buying sunscreen

Below we have mentioned some of the important elements you must look for while shopping for sunscreen for the first time or purchasing your next sunscreen bottle.

So, buckle up!

1. Check out SPF rating

One of the most crucial factors when buying sunscreen is its SPF rating. The SPF rating on sunscreen refers to how much protection it offers your skin against sun damage. To protect your skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays, always look for sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more than SPF 30 rating. 

According to the dermatologist, you must use sunscreen at least SPF 30. Moreover, they also recommend people to minimize the sun exposure if you are not wearing sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply it after 2 hours. 

2. Consider your skin type

Not only the sunscreen but before adding any new product to your skin routine, make sure you know your skin type. While choosing a sunscreen, check its label to know for which skin type it is designed for. 

Individuals with acne-prone, oily skin must look for sunscreen with “Non-comedogenic” because it will not cause acne and offer you broad-spectrum protection without clogging the pores. If you have sensitive skin, then you should choose the sunscreen equipped with mineral-based ingredients such as Zinc oxide or titanium oxide because it doesn’t irritate your skin.

3. Look for Water-resistant sunscreen

Not to mention, during hot days, our skin sweats a lot which can easily wash off the sunscreen. Therefore, while buying sunscreen, make sure it is labeled as water-resistant. Water-resistant sunscreen can last on the skin for about 40 to 80 minutes while you swim or sweat. 

Individuals who sweat a lot or regular swimmers, must reapply the sunscreen at least after 1 hour, says dermatologists. 

4. Avoid Harsh ingredients 

Sunscreen’s main mission is to safeguard the skin from sun damage. But there is no doubt that there are many sunscreens that cause sun damage, allergies, or infection. That’s why it is crucial to check out the ingredients labeled in the sunscreen. 

Avoid looking for a sunscreen that contains fragrance, perfume, or any other synthetic ingredients to protect your skin from side effects. Always look for “fragrance-free” sun protection. 

5. Choose a smooth texture 

Some sunscreen offers broad spectrum sun protection but comes in sticky or greasy textures. While looking for sunscreen, always prefer the non-greasy and non-sticky formula that doesn’t leave white casts, plus a lightweight sunscreen that easily absorbs the skin. 

6. Sunscreen formulation

Sunscreen comes in a range of forms including creams, lotion, gel, spray, sticks, and powder. Every product has its own best features but it is also true that they are not better than each other. You can opt for the best sunscreen based on your daily activities and personal preferences. 

But before opting for any formulation of the sunscreen, make sure you check the label. For instance; Many spray sunscreens cannot be applied on the face. This means that you have to go for other sunscreen formulations that protect your face skin from sun damage. 

Date? Yes

While buying sunscreen, always check the expiration date. Applying sunscreen after its expiration date can offer your skin negative results. In fact, according to the FDA, any sunscreen without its expiration date will be considered expired three years after you purchase it.

Winding Up!

So that was the wrap of What to look for when buying sunscreen. Shopping for the right sunscreen for your skin is crucial to prevent sun damage, premature aging, and other skin-related concerns. In this blog, we have discussed some of the important factors that you must look for when buying sunscreen, including always checking the SPF rating, considering your skin type, looking for water-resistant sunscreen, avoiding harsh ingredients, choosing a smooth texture, and checking the expiration date. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your skin stays protected and healthy during the summer months.

We hope that the blog will be helpful for you!

People May Also Ask What to look for when buying sunscreen

Q1  What does SPF mean?

Ans: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a very crucial factor in the sunscreen that refers to the ability of it to safeguard the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.

Q2: What are the three main things to look for when buying sunscreen?

Ans: To protect your skin from harmful sun damage, you must look for at least these three factors that are: SPF rating (at least 30), broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance.

Q3: SPF 30 or SPF 50. Which should I choose?

Ans: According to dermatologists, you must look for sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You can also opt for SPF 50 depending upon your preferences.

Q4: Which is the safest sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Ans: If you have sensitive skin, then you should opt for sunscreen formulated with mineral-based ingredients.