Going out for a hang out with friends? Slathering a sunscreen layer is one of the most fabulous ways to keep your skin hydrated and nourished from within. Be it either sunny or cloudy, applying sunscreen is by far the best way to protect your skin from sun-related damages. Today, sunscreen application plays an integral part of routine skin care.
Selection of sunscreen matters a lot. Your sunscreen and SPF selection should be in alignment with your skin type and requirements. Here is a quick to reference guide about the factors to consider while buying sunscreen for yourself.
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Understand the basics of sunscreen for men:
Sunscreen for men is available in two forms – physical (reflects ultra-violet radiations) and chemical (absorbs ultra-violet radiations). Chemical sunscreen formulations are composed of para-aminobenzoic acid, and cinnamates. Physical sunscreen formulations are composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both the types of sunscreen formulations are safe to use, and their effects depend upon the application of these formulations.
Selecting sunscreen on the basis of SPF value:
There are two different types of sun exposures: incidental and intense sun exposure. When you are out only for a moment or so, your skin witnesses an incidental sun exposure. For incidental sun exposure, an SPF value of about 15 is fair enough as it is useful in filtering about 93 percent of ultra-violet radiation. On the other hand, for those facing intense sun exposure should proceed ahead with the application of sunscreen with an SPF of about 30 or 50. SPF 30 effectively filters out 07 percent of ultra-violet radiations while SPF 50 is effective against 98 percent of UV radiations. In both cases, a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen should be preferred by users.
Here is how to select a sunscreen for different individuals
For those who suffer from acne and associated skin disorders:
Such users should avoid buying sunscreen which contains para-aminobenzoic acid and oxybenzone. Physical sunscreen variants are less likely to contribute towards skin reactions. Sunscreen containing alcohol or greasy sunscreens should be avoided. Alcohol being a volatile substance, may bring about excessive dryness and fail to aggravate acne and other skin issues. Greasy sunscreens are the one with a low oil consistency in comparison with the chemical sunscreens.
Dry-skin people:
For those people who have dry skin, moisturizing sunscreen is found to be quite useful. Some common moisturizers used in sunscreens are lanolin, oils, and dimethicone. A moisturizer containing sunscreen can either be available in the formulation such as lotions, creams, and ointments.
For those who have a skin cancer history:
For those people who had prior exposure to skin cancer or a very fair tone, are recommended for a sunscreen with SPF value 30+. SPF higher than 30 ensures that their skin gets extra protection, care, and nourishment. Such people should frequently apply sunscreen to have the label claimed amount of SPF on their skin for right protection.
Those with a darker tone:
It is a general misconception that those with a darker skin tone or those who tan easily do not need a regular sunscreen application. However, sunburns or tanning is a process wherein your DNA is damaged by constant UV exposure. Darker-toned individuals must even avoid the physical sunscreen base containing titanium and associated products. A continuous use of titanium-enriched sunscreens is likely to impart a chalky white appearance to their skin. Such people should prefer a chemical-enriched sunscreen with an SPF value ranging higher than 15.
Educating yourself about all the sunscreen constituents might get you a grip of the perfect sunscreen to protect you from the hazards of harmful solar radiations.