Chemical Sunscreens vs Physical Sunscreens
It is important to understand how various types of sunscreens function. The best sunscreens contain active ingredients that build protective UV filters and prevent harmful sun rays from entering the skin. This is how sunscreens protect you from harmful UV rays, reduce sunburn, delay premature skin ageing, and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
However, there is a considerable difference in various filtration mechanisms, which leads us to evaluate the different types of sunscreens and how each one works. Essentially, there are two types of sunscreens - physical sunscreens/mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
Physical Sunscreens
Also known as mineral sunscreens, these position themselves on the outermost layer of the skin and act as a physical barrier by diverting sun rays, much like tiny mirrors. As physical sunscreens directly block sun rays at the surface level, they can provide optimal protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens also often contain active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide, or a combination of both. Since physical sunscreens act as a blocker, their power activates as soon as they are applied to the skin. Hence, you need to wait for it to absorb into the skin before stepping out under the sun. This type of sunscreen needs to be frequently applied and may leave a whitish cast on your skin.
Chemical sunscreen
Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. They work by absorbing the UV rays and converting them into heat before releasing them from the skin. The chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, avobenzone, or combinations. This type of sunscreen may not protect you from all the UV rays, as these rays need to end to enter deeper layers of skin to reach and activate the chemical sunscreen ingredients. Chemical sunscreens take approximately 20 minutes to exert their power so if you use this type of sunscreen, apply it 20 minutes prior to going outdoors. They also make for great water-resistant sunscreens as they get absorbed into your skin quickly.
Different types of sunscreens according to skin types
While it’s important to understand the different types of sunscreen filters, it is equally important to assess how our skin reacts to it. You must opt for the kind of protection that suits your skin type - be it sunscreen for oily skin, sunscreen for dry skin, water-based sunscreens, oil-free sunscreens, or even sunscreen moisturisers. It starts with understanding your skin type and surroundings to narrow down your search for the ideal sunscreen for Indian skin. Glimpse through the different types to find the best sunscreen for your skin.
Sunscreen for oily skin
Finding the best sunscreen for oily skin can get tricky. Oily skin types have overactive sebaceous glands that produce excessive sebum, resulting in a greasy and shiny skin surface. While looking for sunscreens for oily skin, you must check whether the product is non-greasy, helps mattify the skin, and extends oil-control benefits. You can even specifically look for oil-free sunscreen if excessive sebum is your problem. Try opting for water-based sunscreens if you tend to have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
We recommend you to use L’Oréal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Matte and Fresh. One of the best sunscreens for oily skin, it is powered by SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum and provides sun protection against UVA, UVB, and Long-Range UV. This non-greasy sunscreen also comes with an oil control ingredient called Airlicium that can soak up to 7x its weight in sebum to reduce shine and pore visibility within seconds.
Sunscreen for dry skin
The wrong kind of sun protection can leave your dry skin feeling dull, itchy, and flaky. One of the best sunscreens for dry skin is one that provides thorough hydration and nourishment. Hence, the ideal sunscreen for dry skin must contain agents that would help elevate the hydration levels. The best sunscreen moisturisers will leave your skin feeling nourished, yet residue-free while delivering lasting sun protection.
Our suggestion is the L’Oréal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Moist and Fresh. Infused with Hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen for dry skin re-plumps the skin with moisture and gives superior protection against UVA, UVB, and Long-Range UV (Thanks to the combination of SPF 50+ PA++++).
Best sunscreens for Dull Skin
Dull skin, dark spots, uneven tone, and a drab appearance - these tend to be a common theme through the hot months. Investing in the best sunscreens for dull skin can take away these problems in a single go. Try investing in non-greasy sunscreens that are also infused with skin actives to give you a boost of radiance.
Our best sunscreen recommendation is the L’Oréal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Bright and Clear in your skincare routine. A great sunscreen for Indian skin, this UV Defender combats dullness and corrects fine lines and dark spots. What’s more! Skin-brightening ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin E present in this type of sunscreen can instantly brighten the skin while guarding it against UV rays.
Best sunscreens for Ageing Skin
Dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of ageing can be largely attributed to sun and UV damage. This is why it's important to find the best sunscreens that offer ample protection to your face from free radicals.
This is where the UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Correct and Protect comes in. The tinted, oil-free sunscreen blends into your skin to cover any blemishes while offering a powerful combination of SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum protection against UVA, UVB and Long Range UV. With the antioxidant ingredient like Vitamin CG and Apricot pigments, this non-greasy sunscreen blends perfectly into your skin, leaving it even and radiant.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, sunscreens form an integral part of the AM skincare routine. You can’t skip this staple skincare product in any season, especially summers. So, whether you are traveling to the office or heading to a beach or mountains for a vacation, don’t forget to find and apply the best sunscreens and reapply it as and when required.
Sunscreens are crucial and non-negotiable in any skincare routine, just like the other primary steps like cleansing, serums, and moisturising, or applying an essence. So, go ahead and give your skin some much-needed TLC with a nourishing skincare routine and sunscreens for Indian skin.
Need help with building your skincare routine? Head to the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool that helps analyse your skin like a pro and choose what’s best for it.
