Sunscreen is a product that helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays are categorized into two types, UVA and UVB. UVA rays can cause premature ageing by penetrating the skin deeply, while UVB rays can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
What to look for in sunscreen?
It works by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays. They are either chemical or physical. Chemical ones absorb UV rays and physical ones work by reflecting them.
While choosing a sunscreen, it is essential to consider its sun protection factor (SPF) to know how effectively it can protect against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, which varies according to the area you live in.
Selecting a sunscreen labelled as “broad-spectrum” is also crucial to ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant.
How and When to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should ideally be applied 30 minutes before so that it can be absorbed by the skin. The one thing that we tend to forget is the reapplication of the same. It should be applied again after every two hours if you mostly remain outside.
Mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?
The main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen is that mineral one sits on the top of the skin while chemical one absorbs the sun’s rays.
Mineral sunscreen generally suits people with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Mineral sunscreen is thicker while chemical sunscreen is lighter.
I have tried a variety of sunscreen. with those hits and trials, here are my recommendations.
The minimalist sunscreen SPF 50
My current favourite for months now. A beautiful, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free sunscreen with added skincare benefits. It has SPF50 with a PA++++ rating and spreads smoothly, is very light and without any sort of white cast.
It slightly moisturizes the skin as it comes with niacinamide, vitamin B5 and vitamin F. No breakouts, no tanning, no fragrance and provides dewiness to the face.It is suitable for all skin types and pregnancy-safe.
Price- 389 rupees for 50gm. Mostly it is on a 5-10% discount on Nykaa.
BUY HERE: MINIMALIST
Earth Rhythm ultra defence hybrid sunscreen SPF 50
Another really good option before I got my hands on the minimalist one. It is a good sunscreen with a slightly thicker formula than the minimalist one. It leaves no white cast and is dermatologically tested.
The Earth Rhythm sunscreen gives a dewy finish to the skin. So if you have a dry skin type, then this is going to level up your skincare game but if you are who is on the oilier side of the equilibrium then you might want to go light with the moisturizer.
It has SPF 50 with a PA++++ rating. But according to me, despite this rating, this works well indoors rather than outdoors.
It is fragrance-free (has a medicated smell to it) and leaves absolutely no cast.
Price: 449 rupees for 50 ml (Earth Rhythm products are always on amazing offers, so you can easily buy them for half price).
BUY HERE: EARTH RHYTHM
Dr Sheth’s Ceramide and Vitamin C Sunscreen
Loved by many of my friends and family members, hence I had to try this one. With an SPF of 50 and PA+++, this moisturizing sunscreen offers good protection against harsh rays and tanning. It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin types.
Non-greasy, non-sticky and with no white cast, claims to protect against blue light too.
Paraben and sulphate-free, it comes with mineral and organic filters, ceremide complex, vitamin C and hyaluronic acids.
Price: 499 rupees for 50gms.
BUY HERE: DR.SHETH
Plum 2% niacinamide and rice water sunscreen SPF 50
A beautiful hybrid sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA+++ prevents tanning, burning and photoaging. The 2% niacinamide helps to clear blemishes and fermented rice water gives supple skin.
The combination of rice water and niacinamide gives hydration and improves the skin texture. It is suitable for all skin types and has no white cast and no greasiness because of its gel-like lightweight-texture and is also suitable for all skin types. Add brownie points for the packaging too.
Price: 399 rupees for 50gm.
BUY HERE: PLUM SUNSCREEN
Aqualogica glowy+dewy sunscreen
With SPF 50 and PA++++ rating, this product offers the maximum protection from UVA/B and blue light damage. Enriched with papaya and vitamin C, it provides glowing skin and prevents sun tanning.
It has a watery texture which makes it super blendable and lightweight which also makes it necessary for reapplication. It works for all skin types providing dewiness to the skin.
With its fragrance-free formula, it gives no white cast and can be applied before and after makeup too.
PRICE: 399 RUPEES FOR 50GMS
BUY HERE: AQUALOGICA PAPAYA AND VITAMIN C
These few were my recommended sunscreens that I am enjoying right now. As the brands are launching skincare products now and then, let’s enjoy these beauties till then because I am sure that by the end of this year, I will have another lot of my top 5 sunscreens again.
