Skin Care

SPF 15, SPF 20, SPF 30 Or SPF 50: What Is The Difference & How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For You

When it comes to skincare, the first thing that comes to most of our minds is the CTM routine – Cleansing, Toning and Moisturising. However, there’s another step that is equally integral and non-negotiable – sunscreen. Whether you’re stepping out or staying indoors, applying sunscreen is crucial. However, investing in sunscreen can be tricky, especially if you’re not aware of SPF and what the different numbers next to them mean. Do you know the difference between SPF 50, SPF 30 and SPF 15? And which one is good for you? If your answer is no, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about sunscreens and varied types of SPF.

Benefits of sunscreen

  • Shields your skin from harmful UV rays

    • The ozone layer is constantly depleting and putting us at risk of getting affected by the harmful UV rays. While getting enough vitamin D from the sun is important for your health, this does not mean you should risk your skin’s health by not protecting it. Sunscreens are a basic necessity that shields you from UV radiation.

  • Prevents premature ageing

    • It’s a desire for every woman to have younger-looking and healthy skin. When your skin is exposed to the sun, it can cause premature ageing of the skin including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Using sunscreen can prevent premature ageing.

  • Lowers the risk of skin cancer

    • Sunscreen not only shields your skin from the harmful UV rays, it also reduces the risk of skin cancer that can occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

  • Prevents sunburn

    • Sunburn can be painful and can also cause excessive damage to your skin. Sunscreen penetrates your skin and protects it from getting sunburnt.

  • Prevents tanning

    • While getting a tan is quite popular today, you wouldn’t want to risk your skin from getting damaged by the UV rays. If you decide to take a sun bath, use a sunscreen to lower the risk of tanning due to harmful UV rays.

How to differentiate between different SPFs?

Sunscreens create a barrier on the skin that protects it from UVA (responsible for ageing skin) and UVB (responsible for sunburn) rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both these harmful rays and prevent skin damage. The SPF (sun protection factor) in sunscreen lets you know how much time it will take for the sun to burn your skin after exposure. If you use an SPF 50 sunscreen, it means your skin will probably take 50 times longer to burn as compared to not using sunscreen.

When choosing the right SPF sunscreen for your skin, consider the amount of time it will take for your skin to burn when it is exposed to sun rays. For instance, if your skin reddens within 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF 15 would protect your skin for 150 mins i.e., 2 hours 30 mins if applied properly. However, it doesn’t mean that a higher SPF would offer more protection. SPF 50 offers protection against 98% of UVB rays. On the other hand, SPF 15 and SPF 30 offer protection against 93% and 97% of UVB rays respectively.

Types of sunscreens

  • Matte sunscreen serum

    • If you have an oily skin type, you should use matte sunscreen that has a non-greasy formula and gives a mattifying effect even in hot and humid weather. The UV Defender Serum Protector Matte and Fresh Sunscreen prevents fine lines, dark spots and dullness and is perfect for oily skin. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has a powerful combination of SPF 50+ PA++++ that protects against UVA, UVB and long-range UV. It has a lightweight creamy texture with oil control ingredients such as Airlicium, which absorbs sebum and reduces shine and pore visibility.

    UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Matte and Fresh

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  • Tinted sunscreen serum

    • If you have an uneven skin tone, we’d recommend you to use tinted sunscreen to give your skin an even tone along with sun protection. The UV Defender Serum Protector Correct and Protect Sunscreen from the UV Defender range is infused with vitamin CG to protect from free radicals, and apricot pigments that blend with the skin perfectly to give you a radiant, even-toned skin. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has a combination of SPF 50+ PA++++ to protect you from UV rays and a non-greasy formula.

    UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Correct and Protect

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  • Hydrating sunscreen

    • If you have dry skin, you need hydrating sunscreen to make your skin look plump and moisturised. The L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Moist and Fresh has a creamy non-oily texture. It is infused with Hyaluronic acid that moisturises your skin and makes it look fresh. Reapply the product every 3-4 to keep your skin hydrated and sun-protected for a longer duration.

    UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Moist and Fresh

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  • Brightening sunscreen

    • If you’re looking for a sunscreen that could remove dullness and protect it from sun exposure at the same time, then a brightening sunscreen is the right one for you. With a combination of SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum protection against UV rays, the UV Defender Serum Protector Bright and Clear Sunscreen will help brighten your dull skin. It is a lightweight brightening sunscreen which has Niacinamide for instant skin brightening.

    UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Bright and Clear

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Pro Tip: Visit the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genuis tool to find the customised summer hair care regimen of your skin. This tool, which has been approved by the International Board of Dermatologists of L'Oréal Paris, helps you analyse your skin like a pro and find the products that are most effective for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Explore through the UV Defender range of sunscreens to choose the right one for your skin.