To have a little clearer understanding of how to choose a Sun Block

With so many brands promising sun protection, it is difficult to decide which one to choose for an actual effective protection. No matter the weather, sunny or cloudy, you need to apply sunscreen to protect from skin damage. It’s ideal to select a sunscreen that blocks enough UV rays to adequately protect your skin type.

• Sunscreens are labeled with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) such as 10, 15,30, or 50. SPF 10 means it will take you 10 times as long to get a sunburn as it would if you had no sunscreen on. It blocks around 90 percent of the UV rays. Same way, SPF 30 gives around 97 per cent and SPF 50 provides around 98 per cent blockage. Basically, higher the SPF rating, lower the amount of skin damage. Also, if you have lighter skin or any medical history of skin damage, you would require a higher SPF sunscreen.

• Choose a sunscreen which is water resistant, that means it won’t wear off easily while swimming or sweating. One has to be clear that water resistant does not mean waterproof or sweatproof. It will stay effective after 40 minutes in the water and you would have to reapply sunscreen.

• Check the expiration and manufacturing date. The fresher the sunscreen, the better the efficacy of the product. The ingredients in the sunscreen tend to break down very easily, even while on the shelf. Hence, it is important to buy the freshest stock possible.

• Always prefer a sunscreen instead of a spray or a powder. Spray and powder sunscreens are mineral based and contain nanoparticles that can enter bloodstream and result in different health issues.

• A sunscreen filters the harmful UVA rays, and sunblock protects you from UVB rays. So, when sunblock works physically, sunscreen works chemically preventing and repairing any damage to skin. Sunscreens now a days have both UVA & UVB protection ingredients in one which makes choosing between a sunblock and sunscreen is easier.

• A sunscreen should be spread in to your hands, legs, neck, ears, and every other exposed area of the skin. Do not forget to apply on little hidden areas like the back of the ear, or the bald spots. Ideally, you should reapply in every 2 hours. You can wear sunscreen under your makeup as well. If you are going for a walk or to the beach, staying in water, sunscreen is a must.