5 Things You Must Consider Before Buying Your Next Sunscreen

Straw hats, sunglasses, and endless rounds of pina coladas—that's how you imagine Summer would be like. But, the reality is more about standing in the skincare aisle of a supermarket (or in my case, browsing through online beauty stores) and wondering if the SPF in sunscreen should keep up with the rise in mercury.

Well, we asked Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, Director and Consultant dermatologist at Skin Alive clinics, to debunk certain myths related to SPF. Here's what she shared with us:

1. Should we be using sunscreen as per our skin type?
It is important to use sunscreens according to the skin type, if your skin type is normal, one should use SPF 30. For a dry skin type, it is recommended that one should use a sunscreen with a moisturizer. If your skin is oily, a sunscreen with SPF 50 is recommended.
 
2. Is sunscreen with tint equally effective?
Tinted sunscreens are gaining a lot of popularity lately. It helps the user to conceal minor blemishes and discoloration while protecting the skin from damaging UV rays. The properties of cosmetics in tinted sunscreens eliminates the extra step of applying any concealer or foundation. 

3. Would sunscreen application after applying moisturiser give the same protection as day cream infused with SPF?
They are many opinions about this. Some believe that putting sunscreen before moisturiser is better as it binds with your skin, others believe it diminishes the protection you get from sunscreen. However, it is better to put on sunscreen after moisturizer, reason being if moisturizer is used after applying SPF it diminishes the properties of your sunscreen and alters the way that UV rays meet your skin. Thus, it is advisable to use moisturiser first and then the sunscreen for best sun protection.

4. Which step should SPF be in morning makeup routine? First or last?
Applying the beauty products in correct order is really important to get the optimum effects. As mentioned above it is very important to moisturize your skin first in upward and downward motion, and then apply sunscreen. This way the skin will soak up the SPF and additionally make your make-up application easier.

5. Is it a myth that sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before heading out? Also, do we really need to re-apply every 4 hours?!
Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before stepping out in sun in order to allow the ingredients of a sunscreen to settle on the skin. Yes, it is very important to reapply the sunscreen every two for the best protection. It is as important as applying sunscreens in the first place. Also, sunscreen should be applied immediately after swimming, toweling off or sweating.