You’ve seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of sunscreen that claim to be the best sunscreen in the world. Since you love being in the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and practicing almost all sports, you should pack some sunscreen. But should you buy a waterproof sunscreen? SPF 15? SPF 30? How about one that is made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?
If you are confused by the various types of sunscreens available without a prescription and cannot understand the labels of all of them, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by sunscreens. It is recorded that a large number of people choose not to use sunscreen because they are unaware of its importance or have no idea how to use it or why they even need to use one.
Sunscreens come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gels. Apart from their shapes, they can also be classified according to how they protect your skin from the sun and the ingredients from which they are made.
Physical sunscreens
There are two types of physical sunscreens, namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblocks protect the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun’s ultraviolet rays even before they penetrate the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin, so they last longer and can act as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for everyday use, and also safe for babies. They only stay on top of the skin, so they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day as in the morning, noon and afternoon.
Chemical sunscreens
Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and are made up of several active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined, each blocking a different region of UV rays. A sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” when it has all the chemicals necessary to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Most chemical sunscreens work against UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone.
Water resistant sunscreens
Since the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still pass through the water, you still need sunscreen when you go swimming. Water resistant sunscreens are specially designed for those who practice water sports. However, there is a difference between a waterproof sunscreen and a waterproof sunscreen. The former can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under water, while the latter maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of being submerged in water. A water resistant sunscreen stays and protects longer than a water resistant sunscreen. Check the labels to make sure you got what you want.
Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose to keep your skin protected from the sun, remember to use enough to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.
