The number one rule of skincare is to always wear SPF. This is already a well known fact but do we actually wear it every single day? 

For most of us, the answer is no. 

According to dermatologists, sunscreen must be worn daily and reapplied throughout the day. This is not only essential for good skin but also for reducing the risk of skin disorders caused by the Sun. 

However, science isn’t enough to develop good habits, is it? 

With so many rumours and myths about when and how to use sunscreen, it’s easy to get misinformed and develop wrong skincare habits. 

Well, not anymore because this guide will address all your questions on SPF and sunscreens. 

What Is SPF? 

© iStock

SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’ and calculates a product’s ability to protect your skin against the UVB rays. SPF cannot be used to judge protection against UVA rays, which also cause harm to your skin. 

A sunscreen that offers ‘broad spectrum’ protection will provide protection against UVA as well as UVB rays. Broad spectrum sunscreens also come with a ‘P+’ sign. The more number of ‘+’ signs indicate higher levels of protection, i.e. P+ is low level, P++ is moderate and P+++ or more is a high level of protection. 

How Much SPF Should You Use? 

© Giphy

In simple terms, the higher the SPF is, the longer protection you get. 

For example, if your skin normally takes about 1 minute to start reacting to the UVB rays (burning, redness, etc.), a sunscreen with SPF 15 will delay the reactivity and damage by 15 minutes, SPF 30 by 30 minutes, and so on. 

You can apply this formula by observing how sensitive your skin is to the Sun and figure out which SPF is best suited for you. Generally, SPF 30-50 is considered good enough. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1951__

Different Types Of Sunscreens 

© MensXP

There are mainly two types of sunscreens - mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Both these types have their own way of working against the UV rays and they both have their pros and cons. 

Mineral Sunscreens 

As the name suggests, mineral sunscreens have more natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens sit on the surface and block the sun rays. In doing so, they provide complete protection against the UV rays since none of the rays pass through to the skin. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1952__

Chemical Sunscreens  

Chemical sunscreens are easier to get absorbed into the skin. They work by absorbing the UV rays, converting them into heat and then releasing them through the skin. 

These sunscreens are not dermatologists’ favourite because they do not provide complete protection. Some of the rays can get absorbed by the skin. They’re also responsible for clogging pores and aren’t the best choice for acne-prone skin. 

Best Sunscreens For Oily/Combination Skin 

Sunscreens can also be classified on the basis of their formulation. Sunscreens in the form of gel, sprays and powders are best suited for oily or combination skin types. 

Here are some of the best sunscreens for oily skin that you can choose from: 

Sunscreen Facial Mist With SPF 45 

This lightweight, oil-free formula is perfect for men with oily skin. It leaves behind no grease and claims to provide a 10 hour protection. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1537__

Green Tea Daylight Sunscreen With SPF 35 

This next sunscreen is a gel-based formula and is a great choice for men with acne prone skin. It provides light moisturisation, gets absorbed easily and is perfect for humid and hot weather. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1340__

Sunscreen Spray Lotion With SPF 40 

Spray lotions or mists are the best type of sunscreens for men with oily skin. This one has a high SPF as well as broad spectrum protection. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1015__

Most Wanted Sunscreen With SPF 50 

Alongside it’s high SPF, this sunscreen also offers broad spectrum protection against UVA rays. It’s formulated using natural ingredients like cucumber that’ll keep your skin cool and oil-free. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1341__

Best Sunscreens For Dry/Normal Skin 

© MensXP

Dry skin types can tolerate heavy oil-based sunscreens. Your skin may or may not be acne-prone but it definitely needs as much hydration as possible. 

Here are some of the best sunscreens for dry skin that you can choose from:

Water Resistant Sunscreen With SPF 40+

This sunscreen has ingredients like sea buckthorn oil and wheat germ oil which are great for dry skin types. It also offers protection against UVA rays with its P+++ formula. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1288__

Oxybenzone & OMC Free Sunscreen With SPF 50 

This sunscreen will protect your skin against skin ageing and skin burning, by providing protection against UVA & UVB rays. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1186__

Organic Harvest Sunscreen With SPF 50 

This sunscreen provides protection against UVA, UVB as well as blue light rays. The unique formulation consists of aloe vera extracts, rice extracts and soya bean oil. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1953__

Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Lotion With SPF 30 

Enriched with Japanese matcha and raspberry seed oil, this sunscreen is a must for every man with dry skin. It provides nourishment and a full spectrum protection for your skin. 

__ECOMPRODUCT__1954__

How To Use Sunscreen?

There are many myths around how one should use sunscreen the right way. Here’s everything that you need to know about it. 

When Should You Apply? 

© MensXP

Sunscreen should be applied during the day, daily. It should also be reapplied every couple of hours. Yes, you must apply sunscreen even when you’re indoors because the UV rays can penetrate through the windows too. 

You can skip sunscreen only if you live in a house that has no natural light coming in, which is rare. So, if you want good skin, you can’t skip sunscreen in your daily routine. 

Where Should You Apply?

© iStock

Applying sunscreen to your face and lips is a must, since these areas are always exposed. You must also apply sunscreen on any other part of your body that will be directly exposed throughout the day.  

The Bottomline 

To conclude, we would just like to say that sun exposure is extremely damaging to the skin and can evidently cause skin cancer and many other skin problems. Wearing sunscreen is not just a good skincare habit but also an overall healthy habit. 

We hope this guide answered all your doubts on SPF, sun exposure and everything in between. 

In case you do have any questions, drop in a comment below and we’ll address them! 

Explore More

View the full article