Do I Need Sunscreen This Summer?
The summer has already blessed us with a few sunny days. So, you might be asking yourself, do I need to wear sunscreen?
The short answer is yes. Even if you reside in a colder area or if the sun is hiding behind the clouds. The UV rays are still harmful to your skin. Here are a few reasons you should wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather:
Sunscreen Helps Prevent Sunburn
Sunburn can lead to skin damage such as cancer or wrinkles, plus it is often extremely painful. Needless to say, the risk isn’t worth it.
It Prevents the Signs of Ageing
Even if you tan and never burn, sun exposure is still harmful. In fact, it might damage the elastic fibres responsible for skin elasticity. This results in wrinkles, fine lines or discolouration. If premature ageing is something you want to avoid, remember to always put sunscreen on.
It Reduces Inflammation
If you have delicate skin, extra protection is a must. The sun’s rays might cause redness and inflammation, which isn’t a good summer look. This is especially important if you already have skin issues such as psoriasis.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
But how to make sure your sunscreen offers adequate protection?
The main thing to keep in mind is the sun protection factor (SPF). You can always see it on every sunscreen bottle. For maximum protection, remember to opt for products that have an SPF of 30 or higher. These products filter out about 97% of UVB rays.
While all products protect against UVB rays, you want to make sure that your sunscreen also protects you against UVA. UVA rays can also cause skin problems and cancer. To be on the safe side, look for products labelled ‘broad spectrum’ or those that come with a high PA (+++).
Lastly, remember to reapply the sunscreen after swimming or exercising. Contrary to what the ‘water resistant’ label might suggest, no sunscreen is waterproof.
Product Recommendations
Face
Biore UV – In East Asian culture, protecting your skin from the sun is a part of the daily routine. So, naturally, this Japanese sunscreen had to make the list. It has an SPF of 50+, extremely high UVA protection and no white residue. So, you can be sure that your skin is well-protected and looks good at the same time. Don’t worry about breakouts – this product is designed to be used daily.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Facial Sunscreen – With an SPF of just 30, it might seem a pricey option. But, the sunscreen is incredibly lightweight and hydrating, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and free of irritations.
Body
Sun Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen is not just for babies. This sunscreen provides a high level of protection with an SPF 50 and a non-greasy formula. The only upside is that it can leave a white cast. However, its mineral formula also means that it’s less likely to clog your pores. It is also up to 80 minutes water-resistant.
Sunrprise Mild Water Light Sunscreen – Sunrprise is a refreshing formula created by a Korean brand called Etude House. It has a watery texture that makes the application easy and translates into a light finish. It also comes with plant extracts that soothe your skin, plus an SPF 50 + and high UVA protection.
Black Girl Sunscreen – As the name implies, the sunscreen is dedicated to darker skin tones. It promises not to leave a white residue. It has an SPF of 30 and a water-resistant feature that makes it a perfect choice for daily use. No matter what you plan on doing.
Conclusions
Unfortunately, no sunscreen offers full protection. So, if you’re worried about skin damage, you might consider covering up or carrying an umbrella that not only gives you shade but often comes with sunblock features. It’s also best to avoid going outside between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is the strongest.
Shop The Edit
Biore UV
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Facial Sunscreen
Sun Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen
Sunrprise Mild Water Light Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen
