Summer is upon us, and summer break is one of the most loved times of the year - after all, what better time to relax and unwind? Unfortunately, despite the fun the vacations may bring, it’s also exceedingly easy to get sunburnt. That’s where sunscreen comes in. 

You may be no stranger to sunscreen, its benefits, its types and uses, but here’s a guide to help you out if you’re looking into sunscreens. 

Sunscreens: the basics

How do sunscreens work?

First thing’s first - how does sunscreen even work? How can a simple cream protect you from the dangerous rays of the sun? Sunscreens are made of materials that do just that - both organic and chemical! The SPF of each sunscreen refers to how well it can protect you from the sun’s UV rays. 

Why is sunscreen important?

Sunscreens are made to protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun - throughout the day and throughout the year. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t just wear sunscreen during the summer months - it can (and should) be used all year round! Even if the months do turn cold, the UV rays can still harm you. 

No matter what type of skin you have, you’re not immune to UV rays - so everybody needs to apply sunscreen every day, throughout the year. UV rays have the potential to cause skin cancer, so make sure you protect yourself against that!

The types of sunscreens 

Sunscreens aren’t just creams - they actually come in a variety of forms. The types include but are not limited to: lotions, creams, gels, oils, sticks and kinds of butter. Naturally, each form has its own way of application, so make sure you read through the directions and specifications of whatever type you have. That information should be present on the product label. 

Some basic tips

Apply an ounce

Many people make a common mistake putting on an inappropriate amount of sunscreen - either too little or too much. The correct measurement is exactly an ounce. The SPF rating is generally based on each ounce of application. Applying any less can decrease the SPF on your skin. 

Apply daily 

As stated earlier, applying sunscreen isn’t something you need to limit to the summer or a trip to the beach. Professionals recommend applying it every single day - after all, the sun never catches a break!

Shake the bottle with each use 

As is the case with any cream or lotion, the ingredients in sunscreen can also become unequally distributed if you let it sit for too long. With that in mind, make sure you shake the bottle each time you use it so that the ingredients can be fully incorporated. 

What to consider when buying sunscreen?

There are several aspects you need to take into account when looking for the right sunscreen, some of which are stated as follows:

• Broad-Spectrum: Provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

• SPF: Depends on why you’re purchasing sunscreen

• Water resistance

• Type: Some types have yet to be approved by the FDA

A guide to SPF

What does SPF mean? 

You may have heard of various sunscreens having different “SPF” levels and wondered to yourself, what does “SPF” even mean? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor - as such, the SPF level shows how well it protects your skin from UV rays.

The SPF number refers to how long it takes for the UV rays to reach and affect your skin. For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF of 60 means it will take sixty times as long for the sun’s rays to affect your skin (such as causing redness) as it would take without the sunscreen. 

However, keep in mind that some brands like to overstate the effectiveness of their products. Also, sunscreen does not start working the second you apply it. As a guideline, apply it at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun to let your skin absorb it. 

Which SPF should you use?

There is no single SPF you should use every time, no matter the frequency of your application. Here is a short guide to help you out when you’re choosing an SPF

• Use 15 SPF for everyday use

• Use 30 SPF for outdoor activity

• If you have fair skin, or are directly exposed to the sun, use 50 SPF

Keep in mind that no sunscreen can block 100% of the rays, but good sunscreens generally block most rays. 

Additional tips for applying sunscreen

Get “Broad-Spectrum” sunscreen

There are two main types of UV rays that can harm your skin: UVA and UVB. While some sunscreens specialize in protecting you from one type or the other, a broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect you from both. 

Reapply every two hours

Sunscreen tends to last for no more than two hours. Even if the SPF is high (such as 60 SPF), that does not mean it will take longer for the sunscreen to finish working its magic. As such, reapply every two hours or whenever it washes off. 

Avoid sprays 

As you read before, sunscreen comes in a variety of forms. However, the FDA has not approved of all of those types. One such type is sunscreen sprays. There are a couple of reasons for this. For one thing, spray cans are harmful to the environment. Alternatively, it’s also difficult to judge how much you applied, and for sunscreens to be effective, you need to put on enough.  

Sunscreens expire 

Like any chemical product, sunscreens expire as well. It’s always a good idea to check the label for the expiration date. However, at times where it’s not stated, sunscreens tend to last around a couple of years. 

Visit a dermatologist 

If you struggle with super sensitive skin and finding the right products, then your best bet is to pay a visit to the dermatologist - they’ll recommend the perfect sunscreen with ingredients that will work for your skin. 

Comment what are your favorite sunscreen brands!

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