What is Sunscreen?
While there are multiple layers to this answer, let's start by understanding how sunscreens manage to protect our skin. Sunscreens often contain physical or chemical filters. The sunscreens with physical filters create a barrier on our skins that reflect the radiation and keep it from penetrating our skin. Chemical filters, commonly found in sunscreens, absorb the UV radiation, react with it, and release it out of your body in the form of heat.
These filters help sunscreens function as sun protectants. Additionally, sunscreens may contain emollients, emulsifiers, antioxidants, humectants, and other skin actives that can nourish your skin while protecting it.
What does sunscreen do?
By now we know that sunscreens offer us 'sun protection.' Let’s understand why we need it after all.
The sun’s ultraviolet or UV rays are one of the primary culprits behind skin damage. The UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can even reach the dermis, the inner layer of your skin. Here, the UVA rays can wreak havoc on your skin and lead to a range of problems, from troublesome issues like pre-mature ageing to even fatal ones like skin cancer. Once inside the skin, these rays break down elastin and collagen - the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. As a consequence, you begin noticing wrinkles, fine lines, and unmissable sagging.
Next come the UVB rays. With a shorter wavelength, these rays cause damage to the outer layer of your skin. The UVB rays are notorious for giving us sunburn. While they may not penetrate the skin like UVA, they can certainly cause serious damage such as skin cancer and even alter your DNA.
Together, the two rays can also cause excess melanin production, leading to sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and freckles. Sunscreens can protect us from these two types of UV rays.
The dangers of UVA and UVB rays clarify that everything about sunscreens is vital for our skin, even beyond cosmetic reasons. Especially when we expose ourselves to these rays everyday with no cover amid our urban jungles. These sun rays, when reflected from concrete, water surfaces, and even snow, pose a risk of double radiation.
Now that you know what sunscreens are and what they do for your skin, let’s ddive ve deeper ieper into undenderstandinging everything about sunscreens and how and how to narrow your search down to a perfect match.
What to look for in a Sunscreen?
What is Sunscreen SPF?
SPF or the Sun Protection Factor is the first thing we look for while buying sunscreens. This primarily protects your skin from UVB rays, the cause of sunburns on the outer layer of your skin. You may often see a number next to the SPF sign, for instance, SPF 50 or SPF 30. This number suggests how long it will take for the radiation to cause a sunburn after you wear that particular sunscreen. To put it in layman terms, if you apply SPF 30 sunscreen, it theoretically takes 30 times longer for your skin to burn than it would without sunscreen. This is why higher SPFs, such as SPF 50, are often recommended to keep you safe even under harsh sunlight. However, regardless of the SPF number, it’s essential to reapply sunscreen every few hours, as humidity, sweat, and other factors can wipe it off.
What is Sunscreen PA?
Apart from SPF, you may also notice PA ++ on your sunscreen package. So what is sunscreen PA? PA is a measure on the PPD or Persistent Pigment Darkening scale. This scale is used to determine the quotient of UVA rays protection a particular sunscreen offers you. The number of plus signs ('+') following the PA designation indicates the level of UVA protection, which means more plus signs indicate higher protection. For example, PA++++ indicates the highest level of UVA protection available in sunscreen products. PA sunscreen protection keeps your skin safe from pigmentation, ageing skin, and dark spots.
What is a Broad-Spectrum Protection Sunscreen?
A broad-spectrum sunscreen sums up all the benefits we went through in the previous segments. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect you against both the damages of UVA and UVB rays. Try looking for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide if you are looking for physical sunscreens. Similarly, looks for avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, homosalate, oxybenzone, and Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), in chemical sunscreens as these are some ingredients that can provide broad-spectrum protection.
Types of Sunscreens
Sunscreen products come in various formulations, including lotions, creams, gels, sprays, sticks, and even powders. Each type has its advantages and may cater to different preferences and skin types. Water-resistant sunscreens are essential for swimmers and surfers. However, if skin type is what you’re looking at, here are some sunscreen recommendations:
Sunscreens for Dry or Sensitive Skin
If your skin is dry or sensitive, opt for a cream texture and look for formulations specifically aimed at sensitive skin types. Thicker creams will keep your skin moisturised and comfortable, and often contain nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin. Sunscreens usually protect the skin in two ways - with chemical filters that act like a sponge and absorb UV rays, or with physical filters, usually made from minerals, that reflect the rays before they can do any lasting damage. Mineral-based creams are usually much more suited for sensitive skin types as chemical filters often cause inflammation and irritation in sensitive skin. Therefore, it's a wise idea to look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two mineral filters listed in the ingredients. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try the UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Moist and Fresh by L’Oréal Paris. The lightweight formula of the sunscreen gets quickly absorbed into the skin and protects you from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Also, try to avoid products containing fragrance and preservatives.
Sunscreens for Oily or Combination Skin
Oil-free sunscreens are best suited for normal, combination and oily skin types as they're lightweight and don't leave a thick, greasy film on the skin. Try a spray version if using on your body. Look out for formulations that are listed as oil-free or non-comedogenic, as they won't block your pores. Our bets are on the L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen – Matte and Fresh that can prevent fine lines, dark spots, and dullness while offering a non-greasy formula. It also boasts a powerful SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and long-range UV rays.
Oil Sunscreens for Instant Lift
When considering going for a suntan oil, don't even think about reaching for the monoi or olive oil; these will leave the skin burnt, as they offer no SPF protection whatsoever. Instead, think about trying a nourishing oil with an SPF already built in, to protect the skin and add some much-needed moisture. Another added bonus of using such products is the glossy finish they offer. If you are looking to try a non-greasy solution that offers the same benefits, we recommend the UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Bright and Clear.
Sunscreens For Even-toned Skin
If sun damage is already a concern, then you may want to look at sunscreens that have an added tint to give you a blemish-free look. We suggest the Correct & Protect UV Defender Serum. The tinted and lightweight sunscreen has antioxidants like Vitamin CG to protect from free radicals. The broad-spectrum sunscreen also has apricot pigments that give you a more even and radiant skin. This L'Oreal Paris sunscreen comes in as the perfect solution for those with uneven skin tone.
Everything about Sunscreen Application
1. Proper application is the key to ensuring adequate protection. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, and ears.
2. Don't forget the often overlooked areas like the tops of your feet, the back of your neck, and your scalp if you have thinning hair.
3. Aim to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin completely.
4. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you swim regularly or sweat a lot.
Now that we have figured out sunscreen's vital role in protecting the skin, go ahead and find the one that fits you the best. You can try out the L'Oreal Paris Skin Genius Tool to find the perfect product suggestions that match your needs. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine, and soak in the goodness of the sun confidently.
