Direct sun exposure without protection can be hazardous for your skin. Also, it’s quite difficult to pick the best-suited sunscreen. In this blog, you’ll get to know 10 effective tips for choosing the ideal sunblock lotion to keep your skin glowing and safe this summer.
Wearing sunblock lotion is important to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays on scorching summer days. But your full skin protection depends upon a good SPF formula. You’ll love to wear sunscreen only if it feels good to your skin. You’re more likely to include sunblock lotion in everyday use if it works with your lifestyle.
A sunblock lotion is a crucial part of your skincare routine. Whether going out or staying at home, applying the right sunscreen is necessary.
Exposing your skin to direct sunlight, without any protection, can harm your skin. Continuous exposure to the sun makes your skin vulnerable to skin irritations and other problems.
However, hundreds of sunblock lotion brands are available in the market. You must be finding it difficult to pick the most suitable one. You don’t know the things you need to check while buying one. This blog will help you choose the ones that are suitable for you.
Choosing the right sunblock lotion can make a big difference in your summer skincare. So go ahead and read about 10 tips you need to consider while selecting the right one for yourself.
How to Choose the Right Sunblock Lotion For Yourself? 10 Promising Tips For You
It’s important to shield your skin with sunblock lotion. The first rule of thumb is to choose a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF.
Avoid picking up any sunblock lotion you see on the store shelves. It’s important to check the ingredients as some of them might be ineffective and harmful.
Summer is almost here. Warm weather brings back the concern of selecting the right sunscreen. Different online portals are ready with their clickbait headlines. Your confusion strikes high when choosing the best sunblock lotion. While the struggle is real, it’s good that you’re becoming aware of its importance.
In May 2023, the 17th annual guide for sunscreen was released by the Environmental Working Group which analyzed more than 1700 sunblock lotions.
Studying this guide will help you understand the foundation of using a sunblock lotion and not falling for any marketing gimmick.
While in Europe, the government has approved 27 active ingredients for sunblock lotion. The US ‘Food and Drug Administration’ has approved only 16 ingredients as safe.
Today, people easily fall for misinformation online and end up indulging in toxic products. Many of you even click on links for homemade sunblock lotion which may feel like an ideal solution but does more harm. Because half knowledge is dangerous.
This blog will help you with your sunscreen shopping with my extensive list of 10 easy tips you need to look at while selecting your next sunblock lotion.
How Do You Choose the Best Sunblock Lotion?
While sunscreens only cover the harmful UV-B sunrays, sunblock lotions are more effective as they act like physical barriers that block the sunrays from penetrating the skin. They contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which protects your skin both from UV-A and UV-B sun rays.
Here are the 10 most favorable tips you need to consider while choosing a sunblock lotion for yourself.
1. Read The Label First
Have you ever read the labels of the products you use? Not always, right? Most of us commit this mistake.
Even if you try, you’ll find a few words that are hard to pronounce and ingredients that aren’t easy to understand. That’s overwhelming.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to learn about all the chemicals. Primarily, you have to look for these 3 factors:
- Choose the sunblock lotion that’s labeled ‘broad spectrum’.
- Choose the one that has at least SPF 30.
- Choose mineral sunscreen that contains- zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.
You should be aware of misleading products and advertisements. Often brands claim to have over-the-top SPF values. These products may not adequately shield your skin.
You may think that you’re fully protected from sunburn and skin damage. Due to this, you develop a false sense of security and end up indulging in more sun exposure.
2. Avoid Harsh Ingredients In Your Sunblock Lotion
Harsh ingredients cause greasiness and irritation. Especially if you’ve sensitive skin. Avoid sunblock lotion with added fragrances, dyes, and chemicals. Instead of providing a layer of protection, these products can damage your skin severely.
3. Look For A Mineral Sunblock Lotion
Both mineral and chemical sunblock lotions work to your benefit. But both have some key differences. You should understand what is more suitable for you.
Mineral sunblock lotion is physical in form and settles down on your skin to filter out harmful UV rays. It contains non-toxic ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
However, chemical sunblock lotions contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate. These ingredients get absorbed into the skin. This sunblock lotion can be irritating to some skin types.
4. Select An SPF of 30 Or Higher
Your sunblock lotion must have at least SPF 30. Sunblock lotions with SPF 30 are believed to block 97% of UVB rays. SPF is a factor that says how well it can protect your skin.
Comparatively, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB radiation. For any extended outdoor activity, you can choose SPF 30 or above. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests sunblock lotion, broad-spectrum, water resistant, and SPF 30 or higher.
You should never underestimate factors for choosing sunscreen as it can lead to severe damage. Even on cloudy days, don’t leave home without applying your sunblock lotion. Your skin is susceptible to the sun.
5. Look For Broad-Spectrum Formula
Opt for sunblock lotion that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. Look for ‘broad spectrum’ on the label as it offers protection from both harmful rays.
Broad spectrum prevents you from sunburn, tanning, and skin-related issues. Harmful rays can penetrate your skin, increasing the risk of damage. Overall, using a sunblock lotion can provide you with healthy skin. It helps in protecting your skin from collagen and skin damage.
6. Pick The Right Formula According To Your Skin Type
Are you aware of your skin type? If not! Then first you must identify your skin type. Later you can choose the right formula for your skin type.
- Oily Skin Type: Powder or matte formula is best for you if you have oily skin. This type of sunblock lotion helps to absorb the excess oil. Also, it’s convenient to reapply it throughout the day.
- Sensitive Skin Type: If you have sensitive skin, you should choose fragrance-free sunblock lotion. It helps to limit reactions and inflammation. Physical sunscreens are most suited for sensitive skin types as they are less irritating and work effectively.
- Acne-prone Skin: If you have acne-prone skin, try a non-comedogenic formula. This won’t clog your pores. It’s oil-free and has no added fragrance. Also, mineral sunblock lotion can perform magic on your skin.
- Mature Skin: Choose sunblock lotion that combats signs of aging and pollutants.
7. Opt For A Comfortable Texture
You’ll surely not like sticky and greasy formulas. Look for a lotion that has a comfortable texture. The matte formula for sunblock lotion is in trend and it’s usually non-greasy and lightweight too.
You should also avoid sunscreen that’s harmful to the environment. Sunblock lotions that contain coral reefs are not eco-friendly. Hence, prefer brands that are both effective on your skin and sustainable as well.
8. Don’t Rely On SPF Makeup Alone
Your makeup with SPF is not doing justice to you. It doesn’t offer you enough protection. It’s high time to understand the importance of sunblock lotion and include it in your skincare and makeup routine.
Apply a layer of sunblock lotion before you start your makeup. Missing out on your sunscreen is like exposing yourself to the risk of damage. Nowadays, there are various tinted SPFs available. You can also consider it as a replacement for your foundation.
9. Consider A Sunscreen That Works For Your Skin Tone
Sometimes, mineral sunblock lotion may leave a cast on your skin. It happens because you’ve not chosen the sunscreen, according to your skin tone. There are still many people who trust chemical sunscreens more because they believe it doesn’t leave behind any residue.
Understand, the key factor is choosing a sunblock lotion that works for your skin tone. It’s important to check the ingredients of your product. Whether you opt for mineral or chemical sunscreen. Avoid sunblock lotion that is potentially harmful to your skin.
10. Opt For A Spray Or Stick Formula For Touch-ups
Sunblock lotion must be applied every two to three hours. Choose a formula that you can reapply while you’re in the sun. You can keep one application for home and another for outdoor use.
Stick-form sunscreen is quite handy and easy to apply. Spray sunblock lotions are also perfect for reapplication. Cream-based sunscreen will not be appropriate for reapplication as it will mess with your makeup. Plus, it’s not always easy to carry as well.
Conclusion
Sun rays can be a major reason for skin damage. Using a sunblock lotion regularly can lower the risk. It can lower the influence of severe skin-related issues.
I hope this list of tips will help you choose the right sunblock lotion for yourself. The key is to choose what feels comfortable on your skin. You need to make a habit of applying sunblock lotion.
My skincare routine is never complete without my sunblock lotion which is a moisturizer too.
So, do you apply sunscreen regularly or only when you go out?
