Summers are here, in full swing, and it has been the hottest summer with heat waves that are unbearable for you, so think about how your skin might feel. This is precisely the reason why it is important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Everyone knows the importance of sunscreen in the summer; however, reapplying sunscreen is equally important. Try to find the best sunscreen for the face and body that suits your skin type and your budget. Let’s get into each of these topics one by one in this blog.
Why is reapplication important?
The primary function of sunscreen is to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. To break it down and make it easier to understand, UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and can cause long-term skin issues like skin ageing, while UVB affects the surface of the skin causing sunburn, tanning, etc. However, using sunscreen is not the only solution.
Here is why reapplication is important:
-Sunscreen ingredients can break down and lose effectiveness when exposed to the sun for a long time.
-If you are swimming, sweating, or maybe towel drying, this can lead to removing sunscreen from your face.
-Sometimes while applying sunscreen, thinly applied layers or missing spots can lead to exposure to the sun.
Find the best sunscreen for the face
Finding the perfect sunscreen for your face is easier when you know your skin type and its needs. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when it comes to skincare. If your skin is oily, then sunscreen with a matte finish or gel form works best since it is easier to absorb and is non-sticky. If you have dry skin, then a cream-based sunscreen works wonders, and if you have combination skin, a mix of both. It takes a little hit and trial before one finds the perfect one.
How often should you be reapplying sunscreen?
This mostly depends on several factors, like daily activities, sun exposure, and the kind of sunscreen being used. For instance, if you are out during peak sun hours, and have applied some SPF 25 sunscreen, that is not enough!
For the most part, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, however, there are situations when one needs to reapply more frequently.
-Activities like swimming or sweating in general:
Engaging in activities like swimming or anything that leads to sweating can remove the sunscreen more quickly. It is recommended to use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply after towel drying.
-Direct contact with the sun
When exposed to direct sunlight, that can lead to the breaking down of sunscreen ingredients more quickly than usual, in such cases, it is preferred to reapply sunscreen every hour or so to ensure essential protection.
How do you ensure maximum protection?
When reapplying sunscreen, there are some simple tips and tricks to ensure that the skin is protected through and through.
-Make sure to use an ample amount of sunscreen that covers all UV-exposed areas of your skin. One can use the 3-finger rule to apply it to the face to make sure there’s no patch left unprotected. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your hands, neck, and ears as well, they are the most ignored areas that need protection too.
- Use at least SPF 30 or more during the summer. If you are out in the sun and involved in activities that will make you sweat, then use a water-resistant sunscreen. Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30, or preferably more, is ideal for peak sun hours.
-Set a timer for every 2 hours so that you don't forget to reapply your sunscreen. A reminder is perfect, especially if you are outdoors and tend to forget about the reapplication.
-Don’t be a lazy brat and skip on your sunscreen, be diligent and aware of how the sun can affect your skin. Reapply your sunscreen even on cloudy days, it is essential.
Sunscreen recommendations
-PHYTORx UV Screen Gel SPF 30 PA+++
Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and PA+++, a perfect option for indoors and when working from home. It is suitable for all skin types, and with its gel-based formula, it's ideal for people with oily, acne-prone skin.
-PHYTORx Ultra-Protect Sunblock SPF 70
If you are somebody out most of the time, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 70 is the perfect option. This is one of the best sunscreens in India, it has a dewy tint that gives a lightweight finish. Enriched with ingredients like thyme and sage, it is also ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Does the perfect sunscreen for reapplication not exist? You're incorrect. PHYTORx Sunblock Mist is a refreshing and non-greasy formula. It is a lightweight mist with SPF 50 protection, handy, and ideal for reapplication.
These are some of the sunscreen recommendations to choose from. Be it any sunscreen that you use, don't forget to reapply it every few hours. Keep your skin protected in this heat, and save it from long-term sun damage with a few precautions, including applying and reapplying sunscreen.
