Sun Protection Guide: How to Choose Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Why is Sunscreen Important for Your Skin?

While you wonder how to choose the right SPF for your skin, let’s also understand why it matters at all. Not only does sunscreen prevent sunburn and sun tan, but also reduces risks of skin cancer and premature ageing.

The Importance of SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection

If you are figuring out how to choose the best sunscreen, look at the SPF value and broad-spectrum rating of your sunscreen. The SPF rating of a sunscreen indicates how it shields the skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, however, offers comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This dual protection is essential for preventing both immediate and cumulative sun damage, including sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Sunscreen

Choosing a sunscreen is easy if you have this sunscreen guide with you. Go through each of these pointers and bring home a suitable sun protection cream.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Ultraviolet A(UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) are two types of rays from the sun that impact our skin differently. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into your skin causing premature ageing, wrinkles and long-term skin damage. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are responsible for causing sunburn. If you are figuring out how to choose the best sunscreen, look at the SPF value and broad-spectrum rating of your sunscreen to protect your skin from both, UVA and UVB rays. Opt for sun protection with SPF 50 or higher.

Mechanism - Physical or chemical sunscreen?

How to choose sunscreen, you ask? One of the most important things to keep in mind is the list of ingredients. Understand your skin type to pick a formula that suits you the best. Generally, there are two types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen (aka mineral sunscreen) is made of natural ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sits on the top of the skin’s surface and act as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens typically contain avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone that absorb UV rays, convert the sun’s energy to heat energy, and then release the energy from the body. 

Consistency

Irrespective of the type or formulation you choose – sunscreen moisturizer, serum sunscreen, stick sunscreen, or sunscreen spray, look for a lightweight formula that doesn’t make you feel like you've layered a layer of heaviness on your skin. While learning how to choose the best sunscreen, we recommend choosing lightweight formulations that work beyond sun protection, leave no residue or white cast, and deliver a seamless finish. 

Skin Type

Choosing sunscreen according to your skin type is a very common query amongst most people. However, it is vital to keep your skin type in mind. You cannot use the same formulation for oily, dry and sensitive skin. For instance, dry skin needs hydration, whereas oily skin requires shine-control. Let’s look at it in detail.

Tips to choose sunscreen - For oily, dry, and sensitive skin

Here are some pointers if you’re learning how to choose sunscreens for your skin type -

Sunscreen for oily skin

• Keep an eye out for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
• Consider serum sunscreens with a lightweight, matted finish to control shine.

Sunscreen for Dry Skin

• Choose sunscreens with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine.
• Go for creamy or lotion-based formulations to provide added moisture.

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

• Use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Choose hypoallergenic, paraben-free, non-alcoholic, and fragrance-free products to minimize irritation

Pro tip: If you wear makeup often and need to reapply sun protection over it, go for sunscreen mists.

How to Include Sun Protection in Your Skincare Routine?

Remember, just buying the right sunscreen is not enough, you must know how to apply sunscreen too. Here’s how to fit it into your AM routine -

Step 1 - Cleansing

Use mild yet gentle face wash or micellar water to cleanse your skin by removing dirt, dust, and impurities from the skin.

Step 2 - Serum

Try a vitamin C serum for oily skin to brighten pigmented or dull skin.

Step 3 - Moisturization

Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated with a daily moisturizing cream.

Step 4 - Sunscreen

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face, neck, ears, and any areas that get sun exposure.

Now that you know how to choose the right sunscreen, it’s time to make your pick. Browse through the vast range of Garnier skincare products and skincare tips to build an AM routine that suits you. If you’re still conflicted, check out the Garnier Skin Care Quiz and get customized skincare routine in no time.