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Decoding the right sun protection formula for your skin is the key to sunshield, hydrated, and protected skin. Abbreviated as SPF, picking the right one for your skin can be tedious. Besides the identification of the skin type, it calls for a sum of other mandatory factors. Contrary to traditional ones, modern SPF is a blend of moisturizer and sun protection formula. Walk through the comprehensive guide to get the right sun protection factor and ultimate SPF benefits for your skin in this blog.
SPF in Sunscreen: Composition, Ultimate SPF Benefits and Mechanism
SPF- Sun protection factor is the foundation of a sunscreen. Irrespective of mineral or chemical sunscreens, the right formula works on the basis of an active ingredient. Additionally, every ingredient has a pre-defined mechanism to target/ redirect the radiations. Depending upon the formulation, every product interacts with the UV radiations. Here are a few points describing the actions of sunscreens with ultimate SPF benefits based on their respective SPF formulas.
Active Ingredients
Active ingredient is the component with a target-based action. In simple words, it works to achieve a specific action on a specific target. For example, zinc oxide and a combined formula of zinc oxide and titanium oxide, are two popular active ingredients delivering ultimate SPF benefits in sunscreens. Their mechanism, fundamentally, captures UV radiations. The probability of UV A and UV B radiations, however, varies as per the formula. They are further, divisible into UV absorbers and UV reflectors.
Emulsions
Emulsions generally comprise a combined action of oil and water and some active ingredients, acting as a carrier. Besides delivering a targeted protection and ultimate SPF benefits , they help preserve the formulation for a longer shelf-life. Moreover, it takes the charge for adherence, fragrance, and the water resistance. Furthermore, emulsions are available as gel, cream, lotion, milk, foam, or even oils.
Benefits of wearing SPF
As the last section has already mentioned the composition of SPF based on active ingredients, there is more to know. Contrary to the popular benefit of sun-shielding, a SPF carries more benefits. Here are some lesser-known benefits of SPF, important for the users to know. These ultimate SPF benefits explore in-depth analysis.
Protects Against UVA and UVB Rays
One of the most popular and obvious ultimate SPF benefits is countering the UV A and UVB rays. While the former ones cause premature aging, the latter ones’ outcomes are skin cancer and sun burns. In simple words, a good SPF is a shield against the melanoma disruption, accelerated by the contact with UV rays.
Reduces The Aging Signs
We all have had the tips for an effective CTM routine with sunscreen for the daytime and night creams for rejuvenating the skin cells. The role of retinol and anti-aging serums is absolutely zero, reasoning to the absence of a good SPF. Since an ideal routine encompasses day plus night care, an SPF helps offers ultimate SPF benefits by countering fine lines and wrinkles in combination with the above-mentioned products.
Effective Action
The effectiveness of SPF varies in the products. For example, a foundation or any other makeup product with SPF won’t be as effective as a sunscreen with SPF. In other words, a simple makeup product can offer a maximum of 15, contradicting the paramount requirement of SPF 30 or higher. The effectiveness is one of the key factors determining the utility and ultimate SPF benefits.
Antioxidants Are a Great Addition
Ever heard of SPF with antioxidants? Well, they are a great alternative to moisturizers draining the mandatory part, especially of oily skin. Oily skin is prone to acne, breakouts, and similar problems. Consequently, considering antioxidants and moisturizing properties is advisable. These ultimate SPF benefits work the best for every skin type.
Cooperates with the Acids
AHAs, BHAs, and Retinol- probably one or all of these are mandatory parts of an ideal skincare routine. While the former ones aid the exfoliation activity, the latter one preserves the aging signs. This combined action leads to a fresh skin with no dead cells, making it extra sensitive to the sun. The role of a SPF is of paramount importance here. Wonder losing the freshly obtained skin to the harsh action of the sun? Here is the exact reason and one of the most popular ultimate SPF benefits to enter in your routine, establishing itself as a mandatory component.
Counters Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, commonly visible as red, blue or any other dark-colored patches on the skin, is a common encounter in summer. Additionally, it invites acne, breakouts, sun damage, and melanin deposition. SPF here plays a great role in shielding against the sun, limiting the production of melanin and reducing the associated impacts. Besides countering hyperpigmentation, it delivers ultimate SPF benefits such as inhibiting the production of tan.
Strengthens the Barrier
A perfect SPF doesn’t exist. A good one, however, delivers the ultimate SPF benefits for your skin. Right from shielding against the sun to countering hyperpigmentation, it creates a barrier to counter the disruptive interaction between the harsh action of summer and delicate skin. It is, therefore, a key ingredient of a meticulous skincare regimen, irrespective of the skin type. Furthermore, it prepares a worry-free ground for makeover and other operations on the skin.
Which SPF Goes with Your Skin Type?
The above-mentioned benefits of SPF are a sure-shot way to show their paramount importance. The next question is about picking the right sunscreen for your skin type. The availability of 15, 20, 30, and 50 is already a topic of understanding. A formula with 30 marking is generally a reputed choice for an all-round protection. However, here is a short yet accurate guide to choosing the right one.
Lightweight formula for oily skin
Going with the first type, an oily skin needs an easy-to-absorb and lightweight formula to balance the oil and manage sun protection. Aloe vera formulas are generally a good option for dry skin sunscreens. It is a key ingredient of a summer skincare regimen for oily skin.
Moisturizing formula for dry skin
Dry skin deals with the lack of moisture. It is, thus, recommended for the dry skin holders to go for moisturizing formulas enriched with vit B%, lavender, and chamomile.
Zinc-oxide formula for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free, mineral based formulas like zinc oxide or titanium oxide-based sunscreens are the best for sensitive skin.
Soothing formulas for normal skin
Nirmal skin can go well with sunscreens enriched with aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, or other lotions with hydrating ingredients, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants.
Important tips for Daily Sunscreen Users
The daily users of SPF or sunscreens should be aware of some key points to harness the best benefits and not miss on the important ones. Here are some important points to remember.
Don’t solely rely on sunscreen!
Sunscreen packed with a powerful SPF may be your best friend but it’s not a one-man army. It is, rather, important to seek shades, protective dressing, and avoiding peak heat hours for the best protection.
Water-resistant sunscreen
Swimming enthusiasts should go for water-resistant sunscreens for an extended protection.
Reapplication
No single layer of sunscreen can be reliable. Consequently, it is worth reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours or even sooner, considering the hours spent out in the sun.
Conclusion
No summer skincare is enough without including a good SPF in your routine. Dealing with any sort of skin- rough/ dry, normal, sensitive, or acne prone, is at its best with an active SPF. Consider all the factors before picking the sunscreen for your skin type. This blog has mentioned the benefits of a SPF along with the tips to choose the right one. Further, it is possible to consult a skincare expert for the best guidance.