GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A SUNSCREEN:
A good sunscreen should have the following features:
1. BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN
a) Presence of ingredients giving protection against UVA rays ( oxybenzone , avobenzone)
b) Presence of ingredients giving protection against UVB rays (octinoxate , salicylates)
Sunrays contain UVA and UVB. A good sunscreen should contain ingredients giving protection to both. If it has both the ingredients, broad spectrum sunscreen would be printed on it.
2. Presence of both organic and inorganic components
Organic: work by absorbing UV rays (UVA and UVB filters mentioned above)
Inorganic: work by reflecting UV rays (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
3. SPF (Sunburn protection factor)
SPF is Measure of protection against UVB rays
SPF % of protection provided
15 93
30 97
50 99
Minimum SPF should be 15 and maximum 50. SPF beyond this is just a marketing gimmick.
4. PA
PA Measure of protection against UVA rays. Given as PA +, PA ++, PA+++. More the stars, more the protection.
5. Substantivety is Sweat or Water Resistant
Sunscreen is labeled as: water resistance if it maintains SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion.
Sunscreen is labeled as: very water resistance if can persist after 80 minutes of water immersion.
If you indulge in water sports or activities which entails lots of sweating better chose the ones with water resistant labeled on them.
6. Non Comedogenic or Non Oily
People with oily skin should choose one with non comedogenic labeled on it. It means it has lesser chances of leading to pimple formation.
People with dry or normal skin can chose one meant for their skin type. Skin type would be mentioned on sunscreen.
7. Non allergic: means it has lesser tendency to cause allergic reaction. People with sensitive skin should buy one with no fragrance.
8. Presence of micronized technology leading to better cosmetic appeal:
Certain ingredients like titanium dioxide are responsible for whitening effect seen after sunscreen application. If present in micro sized particles then whitening effect mitigates. Thus, sunscreen has a better cosmetic appeal.
GUIDELINES FOR USING A SUNSCREEN
WHAT IS THE RIGHT QUANTITY OF APPLICATION?
Tablespoon method has to be followed:
Little more than half table spoon for: face, neck, each arm respectively.
Little more than one tablespoon for: each leg, back, chest
Total of 35 ml or 6 tablespoons for entire body. It amounts to application of 2mg/cm 2.
2. Timings of application:
Sunscreen has to be applied at least 20 minutes before going out in sun for it takes that much time for a sunscreen to get start working. Once applied, it works only for 2 to3 hours, so one has to re apply it after every 3 hours. No need to wash face every time before reapplication.
3. Sunscreen use in children: Not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. Sunscreen application is considered safe after six months of age.
4. To enhance the cosmetic appeal: In case one feels oily even after applying a non oily sunscreen , dab compact powder over face to absorb excess oiliness and get that matt finish. Choose micronized labeled sunscreen to avoid whitish tinge left after application of sunscreen.
BRANDS OF SUNSCREEN
1. < 500 INR SPF
1. Cetaphil UVA/UVB defense by Galderma 50
2. Melagard By Abott 50
3. Suncote gel by Curatio 30
4. Sunproteck by Salve 50
5. Ultra sheer dry touch by Nuetrogena 50
2. 500 to 1500 INR
1. Capital Soleil dry touch 50
2. Photoderm Max fluid
3. Photoderm Max cream 50
4. La shield sunscreen gel by Galderma 40
3. > 1500
Anthelios by LA ROCHE POSAY 60
CHEMICAL FREE BRANDS CLAIMING TO BE 70 TO 90 % NATURAL
- ARYANVEDA – www.aryanveda.com
- PERRENE – www.perennecosmetics.com
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