What Is SPF and How to Choose the Correct SPF For Your Skin?

If you are among those who believe sunscreen is only for beach days or the scorching summer season, it’s time to break the myth! Sunscreen is an all-year-round suncare essential that shields your delicate skin from harmful UV rays, sunburn, and long-term damaging effects of the sun, accelerating skin concerns like premature ageing, dull complexion, and other related skin problems.

Regardless of the season, UV rays are present every day and can penetrate into your skin even on cloudy days. So, layering your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF and PA ratings becomes important. But, not all types of sunscreens are made equally and can differ depending on skin type and sunscreen formulation. That’s why it is important to understand what SPF ratings are and how they work, so that you can choose the perfect sunscreen formulation with the correct SPF tailored for your naturally beautiful skin type and its unique needs.

Keynotes:

• Applying a sunscreen is one thing, but investing in the right product with the correct SPF and protection, based on your skin type, and everyday skincare needs, can make all the difference.
• A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing potential skin problems due to sun damage.
• A proper skincare regimen that includes effective cleansing and hydrating products lays a perfect foundation for sunscreen, making its protection even more effective.
• Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day maintains the effectiveness of the sunblock and ensures your skin stays optimally protected from the sun's harmful UV rays.

If you are still wondering what SPF measures are or are curious about SPF's full form, allow us to simplify it for you. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, indicating the laboratory measures of the effectiveness of a sunscreen against UV or ultraviolet rays and sun damage. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection offered by the sunscreen against UV rays and their harmful effects. Always opt for broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to achieve maximum protection throughout the day.

Applied as the last step of your everyday skincare routine, sunscreen forms a protective barrier on your skin against unforgiving UVA and UVB rays, primarily responsible for all the skin concerns caused due to excessive exposure to the sun. There are generally two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreen blocks UV rays from penetrating your skin by creating a physical barrier on the surface of the skin. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens protect the skin by chemically absorbing UV rays into the skin, converting them into heat and later releasing them from the body.

Ideally, a sunscreen can protect your skin from exposure to the sun and UV rays for up to 2 to 3 hours after application, making reapplication a must if you tend to spend prolonged hours in the sun. So, reapplication is the key to reaping the maximum benefits of your sunscreen with SPF.

Now that you have understood the types of sunscreens and how SPF work for the skin, here are the factors to consider for choosing the correct sunblock based on your skin type and every day suncare need:

SPF for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Prone to excessive sebum production, oily skin naturally has large sebaceous glands. One of the reasons why your skin can feel and look greasy within hours of cleaning or after applying any topical cream on your skin. Hence, if you have oily skin or oily T-zone (Forehead, nose, and chin), opt for a lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen that doesn’t clog pores or trigger acne. Gel-based sunscreen like Eucerin Sun Face Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+ glides easily on your skin, feels light, and offers optimum protection with advanced oil control technology for lasting effects.

For better results, apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Reapply after every two to three hours and stay protected even on the hottest days.

SPF for Dry and Sensitive Skin

Does your skin feel tight, dry, and irritated right after washing your face? Or do you often feel an urge to reapply moisturiser on your face? If so, then you probably have dry skin. Dry skin naturally lacks adequate sebum production and can easily lose moisture. Look for sunscreen with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and glycyrrhetinic Acid that hydrate your skin from within without clogging pores or making it appear greasy. Eucerin Sun Face Hydro Protect Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ contains Licochalcone A, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid as key ingredients, making a perfect daily suncare option for protection and deep moisturization.

Cream-based or gel-crème sunscreen works best for individuals with dry skin. Additionally, if you have a sensitive skin type, don’t forget to conduct a patch test on your arms before directly applying the product on your face. Wait for a while, and if possible, go out in the sun to determine how well the product suits your skin type. To find the perfect match for your skin, browse the Eucerin Sun Protection Range and other skincare products to ensure your skin stays protected and in its best condition all day long!

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Whether you opt for gel or cream-based sunscreens, it is important to choose the one labeled as broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are formulated to offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, the two types of ultraviolet rays that harm your skin differently. You can easily identify if a sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection by reading the label, which clearly states broad-spectrum protection along with SPF and PA ratings. For optimum protection, dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more.

While choosing the correct sunscreen is important but applying it in the right way can be the ultimate game changer to your everyday skincare routine. Here are the tips to follow for proper sunscreen application:

Cleanse your skin thoroughly:

First things first, always apply sunscreen on cleansed skin. Accumulated dirt, dead cells, and impurities can block skin pores and affect the easy penetration of the ingredients. So, start by splashing room temperature water on your face, take a small amount of the face wash of your choice on your palm, and rub your palms gently to create lather. Massage your face and neck in circular motions for a minute and cleanse it with water. Use a soft towel to pat dry your skin, as this will prevent friction on your skin.

Moisture and nourish your skin:

After cleansing your skin, it's time to nourish using a lightweight and intensely hydrating moisturiser. Regardless of your skin type, moisturiser is essential to nourish and strengthen your skin barrier. Scoop a small amount of your intensely hydrating moisturiser and apply it evenly all over your face and neck. Let it settle on your skin for a while and avoid touching your skin in the process.

We recommend: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Day Care SPF30 moisturiser during daytime to deal with pigmentation and darkening of the skin. And, Eucerin Anti-pigment Night Care for night skincare routine to promote skin’s natural repair and regeneration process.

Apply early and generously:

For your sunscreen to settle and offer optimum protection, it takes time to settle on your skin. Applying it at least 15 to 20 minutes before setting out in the sun allows the formulation to absorb or settle on your skin, effectively protecting against UV rays. Follow the two-finger rule to ensure you apply a sufficient quantity of product on your face. Take two strips of the sunscreen on your index and middle fingers and apply it evenly all over your face. If needed, take some more product and layer it on your face and neck.

We recommend: Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control Fluid SPF50+ to get that ultra-high protection from the sun and treatment against dark spots for more even tone skin.

Layer all exposed areas:

Many people often forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed zones like the ears, the back of their neck, arms, and even the top of the feet. UV rays are unforgiving, and any unprotected skin will take the toll of the heat. So, ensure you apply a generous amount of sunscreen all over the exposed zones of your skin and stay protected wherever you travel.

Don’t forget to reapply:

Lastly, one-time application of sunscreens usually only lasts up to 2 to 3 hours. If you are someone who spends prolonged hours in the sun, carry your sunscreen bottle wherever you go and don’t shy away from reapplying the product throughout the day.

By now, we hope you got all the clarity you needed around questions like ‘What does SPF mean?’ and why sunscreen deserves a permanent spot in your skincare routine. Daily protection from the sun and harmful UV rays is the key to keeping your skin radiant, protected, and in its best condition, regardless of the season or the time of the year. So, don’t wait any longer, kick start your effective skincare routine with Eucerin Skincare Products like never before!

1. What SPF level is best for daily use?

   To ensure your skin gets optimum protection and care, opt for sunscreens with at least SPF 30 or more.

2. Should I reapply SPF throughout the day?

   Yes, definitely! A sunscreen stays effective on your skin for 2 to 3 hours after the application. Reapplying the sunscreen throughout keeps your skin protected and harmful UV rays at the bay.

3. Does a higher SPF provide better protection?

   Choosing a higher SPF measures does not necessarily mean better protection from sun damage. Greater SPF protection offers slightly more UVB protection compared to lower SPF protection and allowing more time under the sun. However, it is best to choose sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection to enjoy optimum protection and care against the sun.

4. Can I skip sunscreen on cloudy days?

   No, you cannot! UV rays are present all year round and can easily penetrate even through clouds. This means, if you skip your sunscreen even for a day, your skin can be vulnerable to sun damage.

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