The best sunscreens for every skin type
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Schenelle Dsouza- 19 minutes read
Schenelle Dsouza
With summer season long arrived, here’s looking at the most important beauty essential: sunscreen.
The importance of sunscreen cannot be stressed enough. Still a very underrated and unappreciated product, sunscreen plays an important role in protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Telling us more about sunscreens and the role they play, Dr Jamuna Pai spoke to LuxeBook about the different types of sunscreen in the market and the various roles they play.
The most important factor about the skincare product is that sunscreen is meant to be used all year round, even when it is cloudy or raining, and not just while spending time outdoors.
UV rays and blue light
The risk of sun exposure indoors is just as high as when outdoors. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can easily penetrate windows in homes, offices and cars unless, of course, the windows are specifically designed to block these rays.
But what about blue light emissions indoors?
According to experts, the blue light emitted from electronic devices like cell phones and computers can damage skin cells, causing them to shrink and die, which in turn leads to early ageing, sagging skin, wrinkles and uneven texture.
“While a sunscreen is meant to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, it also defends the skin against blue light emitted from electronic devices, which is why it is important to wear sunscreen indoors, reapplying every 3-4 hours,” adds Dr Pai.
Long term effects
The dangers of direct sun exposure are often taken for granted. Some believe them to be insignificant temporary problems like suntan and sunburns. But the real danger is so much more threatening and serious.
“There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB,” says Dr Pai. “UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. UVB rays, on the other hand, only penetrate the epidermis, which is the topmost layer of the skin. Both UVA and UVB have serious conditions. UVA rays break down collagen and accelerate premature ageing, while UVB rays increase the risk of skin cancer like melanoma.”
The right formulation
Sunscreen like any beauty product should be picked according to one’s skin type and daily amount of sun exposure, according to Dr Pai.
There are two specific types of sunscreens, chemical and physical. Those with high sun exposure should opt for physical sunscreens which contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
For mild to moderate sun exposure, chemical sunscreens with ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate octocrylene and homosalate are a good pick.
“It is important to check your skin’s compatibility with any sunscreen,” says Dr Pai. “While a gel-based mattifying sunscreen works well for oily and sensitive skin, cream-based formulations work best for dry skin. Aside from these, a broad-spectrum PA+++ sunscreen is perfect since it protects from both UVA and UVB rays and is recommended for all skin types.”
So can sun damage be reversed?
“While it is difficult to reverse serious dangers like skin cancer, it is possible to treat problems like sunburns and pigmentation,” says Dr Pai.
Early signs of ageing too can be minimised with beauty treatments and products, all of which demand the use of sunscreen, due to skin sensitivity.
If you are still confused, browse through the list below to find the perfect sunscreen for your skin type and requirements.
Tinted
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
A 3-in-1 formula, moisturizer, skin tint and SPF, this tinted sunscreen from Bare Minerals is perfect for on the go sun protection. The mineral sunscreen is enhanced with hyaluronic acid which gives the skin a healthy dewy glow while providing adequate sun protection.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Price: ₹4,284/- Buy Here
La Mer The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Despite a very light texture, La Mer’s skin tint has a hydrating formula. Made with La Mer’s specially formulated Miracle Broth™, an elixir made with Giant Sea Kelp. This hydrating and moisturising elixir relieves dry patches on the skin while providing a plump, healthy glow.
Skin Type: Dry
Price: ₹8,652/- Buy Here
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Made with Cell-Ox Shield ® Technology, a formulation of Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB filters and powerful antioxidant protection by La Roche-Posay, the Anthelios tinted sunscreen is a 100 per cent mineral sunscreen. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula makes it one of the best sunscreens for oily/combination skin.
Skin Type: Oily/Combination
Price: ₹4,999/- Buy Here
Water-resistant
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
A sunscreen that helps minimise early signs of ageing, Dermalogica uses a unique formulation of white tea and hyaluronic acid which helps control skin ageing triggers while providing hydration and protection from harmful UV rays.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Price: ₹3,000/- Buy Here
Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
An anti-oxidant rich formula, this sunscreen from Paula’s Choice provides maximum sun protection. The water-resistant formula is rich in texture, yet light and quick-absorbing making it ideal for oil and combination skin.
Skin Type: Oily/Combination
Price: ₹5,900/- Buy Here
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
This sunscreen is made with a special WetForce Technology, wherein upon application a lightweight protective veil is formed on the skin, making it water-resistant and ocean-friendly.
Skin Type: Dry
Price: ₹3,100/- Buy Here
Broad Spectrum
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Another mineral formula sunscreen, Murad’s Age Defense Sunscreen also shields skin from blue light filters with its Environmental Protection Technology which acts as a shield against harmful UVA as well as UVB rays, blue light emissions and radiation.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Price: ₹5,800/- Buy Here
Clarins UV Plus Day Screen Multi-Protection SPF 50 PA++++
Made with plant extracts, this anti-pollution sunscreen is designed specifically to defend skin against UV rays as well as pollutants. Its unique formulation gives it a bright pink tint, which gives the skin a fresh, pinkish glow.
Skin Type: Oily/Combination
Price: ₹2,750/- Buy Here
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
