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Sunscreens are very important for sun protection and for preventing sun damage. They have multiple benefits, like preventing wrinkles on the skin, protecting from sun spots and skin cancers, and preventing skin tanning and melasma. Ideally, sun exposure is also good for vitamin D3 synthesis. However, for vitamin D3 synthesis, early morning sun exposure for 15 minutes daily is advised. After 9.00 am (specifically between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, regardless of the season and country), the UV rays (ultraviolet rays) are high and cause sun damage to the skin. The type of sunscreen varies depending on skin type, skin tone, and exposure pattern.
1. For oily skin :
It is important to use sunscreen, which is, specifically, silicone-gel based. They are good for sensitive skin, do not leave a tint, and do not cause an oily appearance on the skin. They also have a silk and matte finish and may rarely trigger acne. In case of severe acne, I would advise avoiding sunscreens of any type till acne completely subsides.
2. For combination skin :
Lotion-based, silicone gel-based, or cream-based sunscreens may be used. They can be spread easily, with mild shine, but absorb well.
3. For dry skin :
Lotion, cream, or aqua-based sunscreens are better. They give a shine to the skin, they spread easily, and they provide hydration and a glow.
Types of sunscreens based on contents are also important to note, such as the following:
1. Physical sunscreens :
They are sunscreens consisting of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and so on, which form a physical film barrier against sun rays. They may, however, cause a white tint and are the reason for tints in sunscreens.
2. Chemical sunscreens:
Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and so on chemically react with the UV rays and provide protection.
I suggest a sunscreen with a combination of both for best results. Concerning SPF (sun protection factor), I would advise an SPF of 50+ which causes no harm but may have extended protection.
Mode of application:
Sunscreens should be ideally applied from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If planning to go outdoors, make sure to apply sunscreens at least 20 minutes before going out (20 minutes is the activation time ), and if indoors, use them as a last step of your skincare routine. Make sure in both cases, to apply sunscreens every two hours on the previously applied layers since every sunscreen loses its efficacy by two hours (regardless of what might be mentioned on the packaging). Make sure to use at least one teaspoon quantity of sunscreen for the face and neck together, one teaspoon for arms, forearms, and hands each. Other physical protection in the form of shades, caps, umbrellas, masks, full-sleeve shirts, or T-shirts may be used. In short, ideally, a silicone gel-based sunscreen with SPF 55+ is the best choice for all skin types.
Best products include:
1. UV Doux Gold sunscreen gel SPF 55.
2. Sunstop Gold sunscreen gel SPF 55.
3. Sunstop Silk sunscreen SPF 55.
4. UV Skrin silicone gel sunscreen.
I hope this information helps provide some insight into your symptoms.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thank you.