The best sunscreen type is a matter of personal choice and depends on the body parts you’re protecting. As long as it has broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, an SPF of 30 or higher and water resistance, you’re good. One thing to keep in mind is that, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, a mineral sunscreen may be a better option for you. This is because mineral sunscreens can help prevent clogged pores. How often should you reapply sunscreen? This is very famous sunscreen among oily skin beauties. It is non oily gel based sunscreen with highest sun protection of SPF 50 PA+++. It provides matte finish without any white cast and contains the goodness of horse chestnut, comfrey and vanilla extracts to nourish skin. The sunscreen provides a very nice protection against UV damage. It’s a really good sunscreen for oily skin in India that you should give a try. We know shopping for sunscreen can be overwhelming — almost every skin care line offers one, after all. But what’s important to know is that, when you’re considering the following recommendations, there are two major types of sunscreen to choose from: Go for water-resistant options: Even if you won’t be jumping in for a swim, a water-resistant sunscreen will stay on longer while you’re sweating. If you are doing an extensive outdoor activity, choose an SPF of 50 or higher to ensure you stay protected, recommends Henry W. Lim, M.D., former president of the AAD.

Best sunscreen for babies: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 50 After Mamaearth ultra light indian sunscreen, they also launched mamaearth hydra gel Indian sunscreen which also contain SPF 50 PA+++. It has a gel cream texture that glides and gets absorbed easily without giving any heavy feel. It is gel based, so will be suitable for oily and combination skin. Although, it claims to suitable for all skin types. This sunscreen has non-oily gel formulation and it does not leave any white cast. It is a parable free formulation and enriched with cucumber and carrot extracts that helps de-tan skin. Sunscreen has SPF 30 PA+++ that provides broad spectrum. Make sure your sunscreen has SPF 30 or higher: According to the American Cancer Society, higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 about 98% and SPF 100 about 99%.

India’s weather is usually hot and humid, so it is advisable to reapply sunscreen every two hours for continuous protection. Look for broad spectrum on the label: This ensures your SPF protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays prematurely age skin and UVB rays burn; both can cause skin cancer.) Our experts recommend choosing SPF 30 or higher. UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin. They stimulate the production of free radicals in the skin which cause oxidative stress and can lead to indirect DNA damage (where the free radicals modify cellular DNA over time). UVA rays are most commonly associated with photoaging (premature skin aging caused by the sun). They can also trigger sun allergies such as Polymorphous Light Eruption ( PLE). UVB rays can also provoke allergies, but to a lesser extent. The sunlight spectrum consists of UV, visible and infrared light. Visible sunlight can be detected by the human eye, while the others remain invisible. Part of this visible spectrum has a high energy level and is known as high-energy visible light. It is also referred to as HEVIS light, HEV Light, HEVL and sometimes ‘blue light’ or ‘blue violet light’ Consider your skin type: Many sunscreens are made to help people with dry, oily, or sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients — like glycerin, lanolin, oils, silicones, and aloe — and avoid sunscreen sprays or gels with alcohol. If you’re looking for sunscreen for your child or baby, there are formulas specially designed with safe ingredients for them.

The British Association of Dermatologists suggests that an SPF of 30 and a star rating of four out of five is “generally considered as a good standard of sun protection” (as long as this is paired with protective clothing and periods spent in the shade). The EU recommendation is that creams should offer UVA protection that’s at least a third of the SPF, so if you see a bottle with the letters UVA in a circle, you can be assured that it meets this minimum requirement. Sunscreens that offer strong protection against both UVB and UVA radiation are termed “broad spectrum” products. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation. UVA affects the skin’s elastin, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing (although it’s also linked to developing skin cancers). UVB is responsible for sunburn and can increase the risk of skin cancers, too. Certain sunscreens carry a UVA star rating from zero to five, which indicates how much UVA radiation they absorb, relative to UVB radiation. Don’t be alarmed if there isn’t a number on the bottle, though: the rating system was devised and is owned by Boots, so not all brands carry it. Considerations: While the company boasts that the product formulas have been tested and found reef-safe, keep in mind that there is no set standard or regulatory group for such concerns. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours for optimal effectiveness. Reapply more often if you’re sweating or swimming. How can you tell if your sunscreen is expired?

SPF FAQs

Moreover, you will be tempt to know that it is 100% free of phthalates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance and colors. Bratkovics S, et al. (2015). Baseline monitoring of organic sunscreen compounds along South Carolina’s coastal marine environment.