Everything You Need To Get Your Sunscreen Sorted This Summer

Now since I am not a chemist, or a skincare expert or a dermatologist or any of that, this post is not going to include any waffle from me. The point of this post is to put together in one place the research I have found about sunscreen that I found helpful for your easy access. There are people who have done the work before me which I have benefitted from so you might as well benefit from the little research I did, right?

My research into sunscreen started because one of my favourite sunscreens is the one I buy in India and since this year, travel has not been a possibility I couldn’t get my usual supply. I started looking for a sunscreen and then went into the internet sunscreen blackhole which resulted in this post.

A Basic Overview On Sunscreen

Honestly, even a basic overview on sunscreen is complicated.

There are different levels of SPF from almost 5 to 60 – which should you use?

There are two types of rays you need protection from – UVA and UVB. Are they both cause for concern?

There are atleast two types of sunscreen – physical and chemical. What is better?

All these question (and more) are answered in this post from Caroline Hirons. Read it and re-read it.

It appears you need to wear sunscreen everyday.

Yes, you heard that right. (If you are one of those people reading this and wondering which rock I was sleeping under and why I didn’t know this fact, this post is not for you. Actually maybe you could write it?)

This is a slightly controversial statement but on an average you should wear sunscreen everyday is what the experts say. I don’t – lets be honest. I wear if I am going out even if to get groceries. But I don’t do it as a normal part of my skincare routine if I am not going out of the house based on this video from the Lab Muffin. Personally for me, my skin is very dry and cleaning it everytime I am back home

I did start wearing it everyday after winter was over but honestly, I really doubt I will do once its autumn and winter again. But in the summer, I am on it! Personally for me, my skin is very dry and cleaning it every time after I wear sunscreen especially in winter just makes it drier. S I took the call to skip the sunscreen in the dead of winter if I am indoors.

But this is the call I have taken for myself. Based on where you live, your skin heath, your sunscreen tolerance, the type of skin you have and so on you might have to and should, make the appropriate decision for yourself.

I am Indian/ Black/ Brown/ Other Non-White Ethnicity So I don’t Need to Wear Sunscreen

Surprisingly, I hear this a lot. I thought this myth had sorted itself out a long time ago but apparently not. I hear this a lot among other Indians. No, having brown or black skin doesn’t mean your skin will not burn or you will not get skin cancer. Please wear sunscreen.

This is the official advise from Cancer Research and the NHS so please follow accordingly.

Which Sunscreen to Buy?

I have different moisturisers and creams I use at different times in the year and different times of the day. For instance, in winter I use something heavy and something much lighter in summer. In the night, I might wear something with retinol and in summer, I might wear something with SPF.

Sali Hughes hit the nail on the head with this video. This is probably the perfect type sunscreen to wear if you are out and about in London on a not so sunny day. For a sunnier day wear the kind of sunscreen you otherwise would at a beach. Other options for sunscreen are in this post and if you need to figure out where sunscreen comes in your skincare routine you need to read this.

 

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This is the basic research you absolutely need to get your sunscreen game on this summer. If you have any question, just let me know. You can comment or send a message and follow is on Twitter and Instagram. Do subscribe for our emails and follow us on Facebook. Hope everyone is staying as safe as possible and taking care of themselves.

– Anisha