Knowing the different types of sunscreen

You’ve seen them all in TV commercials, different brands of sunscreens claiming to be the best sunscreens in the world. Since you love being in the sun, swimming, running, jogging, and playing almost all sports, you need to pack some sunscreen. But should you buy a waterproof sunscreen? SPF 15? SPF 30? How about one that is made with zinc oxide? Or is it titanium dioxide?

If you’re confused about the various types of sunscreens available without a prescription and can’t figure out the labels on all of them, then welcome to the club. You are just one of the millions of people who are confused by sunscreens. It is recorded that a large number of people choose not to use sunscreens because they are unaware of its importance or have no idea how to use it or even why they need to use it.

Sunscreens come in different forms. You can choose from creams, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, sticks, and gels. In addition to their shapes, they can also be classified based on how they protect the skin from the sun and the ingredients they are made from.

Physical sunscreens

There are two types of physical sunscreens, namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays before they penetrate the skin. They are not absorbed by the skin so they last longer and can work as soon as they are applied. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle enough for daily use and safe for babies as well. They only stay on top of the skin, so they rarely cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It can be applied three times a day like in the morning, at noon and in the evening.

Chemical sunscreens

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and are made of various active ingredients. Several chemicals are combined, each blocking a different region of UV rays. A sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” when it has all the chemicals needed to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Most chemical sunscreens work against both UVB and UVA rays and may also contain a physical blocking agent such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone.

Water resistant sunscreens

Since the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still pass through the water, you still need sunscreen when you go swimming. Waterproof sunscreens are specially designed for those who practice water sports. However, there is a difference between a waterproof sunscreen and a waterproof sunscreen. The former can maintain its SPF level after 40 minutes under water while the latter maintains its SPF level after 80 minutes of being submerged in water. A waterproof sunscreen stays on and protects longer than a waterproof sunscreen. Check the labels to make sure you got what you want.

Whichever type of sunscreen you choose to keep your skin protected from the sun, remember to use enough to cover your arms, legs, neck, face, and other parts of your body that you know will be exposed to the sun.