What is the difference between sunscreen SPF 50, SPF 30, SPF 20, and SPF 15?
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 prevents 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 sunscreen SPF 50, 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, SPF 15 sunscreen would protect your skin for up to 150 mins i.e., 2 hours 30 mins if applied properly. However, it doesn’t mean that a higher SPF would offer longer hours of protection. For instance, sunscreen with SPF 50 means it offers protection against 98% of UVB rays. Whereas, SPF 15 sunscreen and SPF 30 sunscreen will offer protection against 93% and 97% of UVB rays respectively. Now that you know what is the difference between sunscreen SPF 50, SPF 30 and SPF 15 and which SPF is better 30 or 50 or 15, let’s understand the benefits of applying sunscreen.
Benefits of sunscreen
Here’s a glimpse of using SPF sunscreen:
Shields your skin from harmful UV rays
The ozone layer is constantly depleting and putting us at risk of getting affected by 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 your skin 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. To retain a youthful skin for longer and to get top-notch sun protection, include sunscreen SPF 50 into your skincare routine.
Lowers the risk of skin cancer
Sunscreens not only shield your skin from harmful UV rays, they also reduce 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. Try sunscreen SPF 50 and mitigate the risk of sunburn.
Prevents tanning
While getting a tan is quite popular these days, you wouldn’t want it at the risk of getting your skin damaged by the UV rays. So, before stepping out to take a sun bath, use sunscreen SPF 50 to lower the risk of exposing your skin to the harmful UV rays. When you’re outdoors, you need sun protection for maximum time. Considering that, we have come up with the some of the best SPF 50 sunscreens. Read the following section and choose the one based on your skin type and need.
Types of sunscreens
Here’s a list of some of the best SPF 50 sunscreens based on your skin type:
Best SPF 50 sunscreen for oily skin
If you have an oily skin type, you should use matte sunscreens that have a non-greasy formula and give a mattifying effect even in hot and humid weather. You can try the L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Matte and Fresh Sunscreen that prevents fine lines, dark spots and dullness, making it ideal for people with oily skin. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has a powerful combination of SPF 50+ PA++++ that protects against UVA, UVB, and long-range UV. This sunscreen SPF 50+ has a lightweight creamy texture with oil controlling ingredients such as Airlicium, which absorbs sebum and reduces shine and pore visibility.
Best SPF 50 sunscreen for dry skin
For dry skin, you need a hydrating sunscreen to make your skin look plump and moisturised. The L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Moist and Fresh Sunscreen has a creamy, non-oily texture. It is infused with Hyaluronic acid that moisturises your skin and makes it look fresh. Reapply this sunscreen SPF 50+ every 3-4 hours to keep your skin hydrated and sun-protected for a longer duration.
Best SPF 50 sunscreen for dull skin
If you’re looking for 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 L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Bright and Clear Sunscreen will help brighten your dull skin. It is a lightweight brightening sunscreen with SPF 50+, which has ingredients like Niacinamide for instant skin brightening.
Best SPF 50 sunscreen for uneven skin tone
If you have an uneven skin tone, we’d recommend you to use tinted sunscreens to give your skin an even tone along with sun protection. The L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Correct and Protect Sunscreen is infused with vitamin CG to protect your skin from free radicals, and apricot pigments that blend with the skin perfectly to give you 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.
Pro Tip: Visit the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genuis tool to find the personalised regimen for your skin. This tool, which has been approved by the International Board of Dermatologists at 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 and pick the best sunscreens with SPF 50 for your skin.