How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

It's summertime! That means you need to be extra careful about your skincare routine to nourish and protect your skin from any damage. Skincare usually comprises of several products, but many of them such as toners, serums, masks, etc can be optional. However, one skincare product that is absolutely non-negotiable is sunscreen.

Sunscreen should be applied daily, irrespective of the season, your skin type, exposure to the sun, etc. Although initially a lot of people were oblivious to the significance of sunscreen, luckily many are now realising its true value.

Currently, the market is filled with various types of sunscreens with different formulations, SPF and more. This can make it a daunting task to find your ideal sunscreen. So, if you're wondering how to choose sunscreen based on the season, your skin type, SPF, etc., this article will guide you.

Why Should You Use Sunscreen?

Sunrays can be extremely damaging. Not just in summer, but even when it's rainy or less hot, you need to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays emitting from the sun. UV ray penetration can cause tanning, premature ageing, and even skin cancers. Good quality sunscreens can protect you from all of it. In fact, some sunscreens like the ones in the POND'S Serum boost Sunscreen range also protect your skin from pollution and blue light along with 98% UV rays.

According to dermatologists, a lot of visible skin ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots are caused by UV exposure. The impact of UV exposure can be limited by controlling your sun exposure and covering up your skin with clothes, hats, etc. but nothing beats the harmful UVA and UVB rays like a high SPF sunscreen. Even on rainy or cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can reach your skin. Hence, it's imperative to use sunscreen every day irrespective of the weather.

How To Choose Sunscreen That Works Best For You?

Finding an ideal sunscreen that works wonders for your skin can be a daunting task, especially when we're spoilt for choices. So, let's make it simple for you. Just keep the following points in mind and you'll be effectively using your perfect sunscreen in no time.

1. How To Choose Sunscreen Based On The Season?

Sunscreen must be applied all around the year, no matter the season. During summer and rainy seasons, you should opt for a sweat and water-resistant sunscreen. In summer, you might want to use sunscreen with higher SPF. In winter, look for sunscreens with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerine, etc.

2. How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin Type?

When choosing sunscreen based on skin type, people with oily or combination skin should go for a lightweight, non-oily, and non-comedogenic sunscreen. On the other hand, people with dry skin should choose a moisturising sunscreen with hydrating ingredients. People with normal skin can choose any sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast.

3. How To Choose Sunscreen With The Right Protection?

Sun Protection Factor aka SPF indicates a sunscreen's ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, while PA rating indicates the protection provided from UVA rays. So, always choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA++ rating. These sunscreens are also known as broad-spectrum sunscreens.

4. How To Choose Sunscreen For Face Based On Active Ingredients?

Active ingredients play a huge role in strengthening your skin barrier. Choose a sunscreen with active ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide that can protect, repair and brighten your skin. For example, the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen range with Niacinamide-C nourishes and protects your skin at the same time.

5. How To Choose Sunscreen Based On The Level Of Sun Exposure?

SPF 30 and a PA++ rating is the minimum requirement for the Indian climate. However, depending on your sun exposure, you might want to opt for a sunscreen with a higher SPF and a better PA rating such as the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen Gel with SPF 50 and PA+++. It is also advised to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours in case of prolonged sun exposure or swimming.

6. How To Choose Sunscreen Based On The Formulation?

Sunscreens come in different formulations such as cream, gel, lotion, spray, stick, or even serum. You need to pick a formulation that works best for your skin. For example, you can use the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen Serum if you have dry skin, the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen Gel if you have oily skin and POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen Cream if you have normal or combination skin.

7. What Is The Right Time To Apply Sunscreen?

The right time to apply sunscreen is 15-30 minutes before you step out in the sun. This time gap will allow the sunscreen to settle into your skin and create a strong barrier to protect it from sun damage.

8. What Is The Right Amount Of Sunscreen For Face And Neck?

To find out the right amount of sunscreen for your face and neck, always abide by the two-finger rule. Take enough sunscreen to draw a straight line on your index and middle finger, then dot it all over your face and spread it evenly.

Now, if you simply keep these points in mind, you would know how to select a sunscreen that works best for you. Choose any sunscreen from the POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen range and you can enjoy broad-spectrum protection while getting a bright and nourished skin.