Introduction
If there’s one skincare step people skip is the sunscreen. Not because they don’t know about that step but because it feels greasy so they try to avoid it. People think sunscreens can only be used during vacations, beaches or during peak summers.
The truth is sunscreen is not seasonal, occasional or optional but it is the most important step of our skincare. It’s a daily essential just like cleansing or moisturising. Whether you stay at home or step out for five minutes, your skin is constantly exposed to sun and that exposure adds up.\\
Do You Really Know What SPF is?
The full form for SPF is Sun Protection Factor and if we define SPF in simple terms, it tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburns and long-term skin damage.
There are various SPF in the market. Few are listed below:
- SPF 15 helps in protecting more UVB rays.
- SPF 30 helps in protecting even more UVB rays.
- SPF 50 offers the highest protection from the UVB rays.
Higher SPF doesn’t mean you have to stay in the sun for a longer period of time, instead it means better protection when you use it properly.
Sunscreen is a Non-Negotiable Step in a Skincare
People have this mentality that sunscreen is only used when they are outdoors. In reality:
- UV rays can still reach our skin even if we are indoors.
- The sunscreen doesn’t block the sun exposure directly.
- Daily sunlight can cause slow and invisible damage.
Due to this reason, the problem leads to:
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Premature Ageing
- Fine Lines and Hyper Pigmentation
- Increased Risk of Skin Issues
Sunscreen protects the skin before the damage and not after the damage.
Sunscreen is Anti-Ageing Product Without any Drama
You prefer using the best serums and creams but without sunscreen, their effect is limited. Sun exposure breaks down the collagen which leads to early ageing and wrinkles. Sun exposure is one of the biggest reasons for damaging the skin. Skin problems like wrinkles, pigmentation or fine lines don’t happen easily. Instead they occur slowly day by day because of going out in the sun without the SPF and once that damage occurs, it’s tough to heal it.
Using sunscreen daily helps protect the collagen which is the protein that keeps our skin firm and smooth. It is the best skincare product which works effectively and helps in maintaining a good skincare routine.
Do You Think Skin Type Matters in Choosing the Right Sunscreen?
It’s easy to think that sunscreen works only for a few skin types. All skin type people have their own reasons like oily skin worries about greasy skin, dry skin thinks it’ll make their skin tighter and some people with acne or sensitive skin prefer avoiding it.
For dry skin, sunscreen can actually be helpful like many formulas with moisturising ingredients that protect the skin getting tighter. In the same way, if the skin is sensitive, you have to be careful but should not skip sunscreen. For normal skin types, sunscreen helps keep things the same way and for oily or acne-prone skin, the fear of breakouts is the common reason.
How Much Sunscreen is Enough?
One of the most common sunscreen mistakes is to not skip it instead not using enough of it. Most people use very tiny amounts, spread it in thin layers and assume that they are protected but in reality sunscreen only works properly when it is used in the right quantity.
A simple way to use sunscreen is the two-finger rule. Start with squeezing the sunscreen along the length of your index and middle finger that’s roughly the amount of sunscreen you need for your face and neck combined. If you’re using sunscreen to your body, the amount increases.
If you’re unsure about the quantity like whether you have applied enough then probably you haven’t instead a little extra is fine.
Sunscreen isn’t Just for Summers
A lot of people think that sunscreen is a seasonal product and can be used during summers only. But the sun doesn’t take a break just because the weather feels cooler and neither should the sunscreen.
UV rays are present everywhere and even on cloudy days or during winter, they are still able to reach our skin. You may not feel the heat but the exposure is happening quietly. This daily, unprotected exposure adds and shows up as pigmentation, uneven tone or early ageing.
Suncreen is just as important on days when:
- The sky looks cloudy.
- Whether you step out for just a few minutes.
- You’re sitting near the window or driving.
- Whether it’s winter or monsoon season.
What’s the Difference Between Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen?
It is very difficult to find the right sunscreen because generally we see the terms chemical and mineral on the sunscreen labels.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and when the sunlight hits your skin, these formulas take in the rays and convert them into heat which is then released from the skin.
Mineral sunscreens are on the top of the skin and instead of absorbing UV rays, they reflect them away.
Conclusion
Applying sunscreen is never about fear but it’s about care. It is never only made to use for beach days or holidays but instead it is made to use it daily. Once you make a habit to apply sunscreen, your skin will thank you later.
Skincare was never this complicated but people have made it. Sometimes, the simplest steps make a huge difference and sunscreen is one of those steps which is easy to use and effective.