Who doesn’t like to venture outdoors fearless and take the sun? However, we may not be that lucky to bask in the sun for hours. Some of us may get skin problems.
There are many solutions available, and numerous pieces of advice to protect your skin from damaging sunlight. Choosing the right one, suited to your skin, can be a little difficult given how many skin care products claim to cure the same problem.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Products containing SPF aim to provide protection against UVB. UVB are rays coming out of the sun. They can damage skin, especially can cause sunburn; they can also play a great role in causing skin cancer.
A dermatologist from MDSolarSciences says that the SPF of a product only relates to its protection form the UVB or “burning” rays. It does not mean it protects you from UVA (ageing rays).
In this article, we will look at some of the creams that offer protection against sunlight and can be the best solution for your skin.
SPF Levels
Products come with various levels of SPF. If you have been conscious about your skin, you might have noticed some of the best sunscreens in India come with SPF 15, 30, 50 and more. Let’s look at how they work:
- SPF 15: protects against 90% of UVB radiation
- SPF 30: blocks around 97% of UVB radiation
- SPF 50: blocks 98% of UVB radiation
SPF number:
The SPF number gives a rough idea of how long can a person stay in the sun without burning.
- SPF 15: you can stay in sun 15 times longer than without any protection.
- SPF 30: 30 times longer than without sunscreen protection
- SPF 50: 50 times longer
Factors to consider to select cream with the right SPF level:
-
Skin type: You may have oily or dry skin. For dry skin, a moisturiser with SPF is a good choice. The best SPF sunscreens for oily skin have many options, you can read on to know more about them.
-
Weather: On hot or warm days when the sun is usually out, applying sunscreen that gives maximum protection is required.
-
Perspiration: Sunscreens may get washed off by perspiration. So, a sunscreen that offers higher water resistance should be preferred.
-
Exposure to the sun: If you live where the sun is out during the whole day for example near the equator, you would need a strict regimen of sunscreen. Preferably, you should get the best sunscreen in India.
Creams:
1)— Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SunblockWhether you have oily skin or a dry one, this dermatologist-tested cream will set your skin right. With numerous benefits and incredibly skin-friendly ingredients, this moisturiser should in your outdoor essentials.
For a non-greasy look and a matte finish for your skin, this moisturiser-meets-sunscreen comes with Heliplox technology and offers powerful protection against sun damage.
It is oil-free, non-PABA, non-comedogenic, and water/sweat resistant. It also resists rub-offs.
Opinions vary, however overall it gets a better rating than all other creams:
Saadhana writes on amazon that the sunscreen is very effective, but it does not matte well. She said she could not apply make-up over it and gave a greyish tinge after sweating.
Another amazon customer wrote that she had been using the cream for a month now, and it did not cause any sunburns or did not any cause irritation either. She says she has a normal dry skin and uses relatively more amounts. It did not leave any white cast and gave the skin a matte and subtle shiny look. “I liked the subtle look,” she adds.
2)— LA Roeche Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluid Ultra-Light
This cream for every skin type brings quality care for your skin - from sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance (sun allergies).
The moisturiser is an admixture of antioxidants and SPF to provide maximum care to your skin. When applied the moisturiser feels like an emollient.
The moisturiser has a combination of La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, Mexoplex (filtering system), and antioxidants offer the best care for your skin.
When applied, it leaves the skin smooth and creates an imperceptible finish that gives your skin a natural look. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best SPF 50 sunscreens for oily skin.
Reviews:
Suvetha on amazon notes that this cream is unlike any other she has used. The cream has a very light non-greasy texture and blends in quite easily. This leaves you feeling light. She adds it protects your face against sunburn. The feature she loved most was it did not leave any white residue (white caste). Though a little pricey, it was totally worth it.Another reviewer writes that the product is very small- it fits into your palm. A little amount is needed to apply- only four drops. The fluid was not sticky. It was non-greasy and easy to apply. She adds, the face never gets oily, though for the first few minutes face may feel dull, until the skin absorbs the liquid.
3)— Kiehl Ultra Light Daily UV Defence SPF 50 Anti-pollution
Kiehl’s ultralight goes beyond protection against the sun. It also protects against pollution: free radicals that can cause accelerate the ageing of your skin.
For all skin types and dermatologists tested, the moisturiser has a smooth texture and leaves no trace after application (white caste). Gives a light feel to the skin and a non-greasy experience.
It provides high SPF protection against UVA and UVB rays, and keeps free radicals away. Gels smoothly and quickly in the skin and give a shine-free and smooth skin.
It is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
Reviews:
Avanti on Nyakaa says the product is overall good. She prefers sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide because they are better suited to oily skins like hers. Initially, she worried that it would lever a white cast, which typically all mineral sunscreen leave, but it didn’t. She notes denatured alcohol is the only downside. Though it did not bother her, it might affect some people.Another reviewer Mari writes on the same site that is not the best sun protection. Though the product description says it is a gel, it is more or less cream. She adds it could be a bit sticky when you apply it to your face and need to put powder afterwards.
4)- Minimalist Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 Lightweight
This moisturiser-meets-sunscreen is as minimalist as it gets. With the bare minimum ingredients incorporated into it, it protects your skin and leaves a smooth look.
Formulated with 4 effective UV protectors: Uvinal T 150, Avobenzene, Octocrylene, and Titanium Dioxide. It also contains vitamin A, B3, B5, E and F that repairs your skin after sun exposure, soothes it and nourishes and hydrates it. It is also clinically tested and has an SPF of 50.
Reviews:
Sarika Kumari on Nykaa writes that this is the perfect sunscreen for all skin types. It leaves no smell and white caste. She recommends applying cleanser first, then tone, serum and moisturiser and finally sunscreen. She notes it protects against visible signs of premature ageing and prevents tanning. It is the best sunscreen for skin with spf 50.On the same site, Gagan Mundi writes that it is the best sunscreen ever. It doesn’t leave shiny and sticky skin. She approves it for skin prone to breakouts, as she has one, and after using it had no breakouts.
Do’s:
- Choose a product that has been tested for broad-spectrum protection. That means it protects against both UVA and UVB.
- Look for if there are any antioxidants. They give you another layer of protection.
- Look for water resistance testing results on the packaging; they can be effective up to 80 minutes.
- Apply sunscreen every 2 hours for spot-free skin. Keep this in mind when you want a longer water resistance duration.
- Look for the best sunscreen for kin SPF 50+, a SPF 100+ would not have much significance, as SPF 50 is able to do the same thing, and don’t fall for higher numbers.
The market abounds with sunscreens but choosing the right one that protects your skin and doesn’t cause any breakouts may entail sorting through various options. Our notes some of the best sunscreen in India and the advantages they offer. It is up to you to select the right one for you.