Have you ever stood in front of a beauty counter in a store full of sunscreens, confused about which SPF to choose for your skin? Well, your wait is over! Here is your solution. Choosing the best sunscreen can be difficult, especially when there are so many products that claim different levels of protection and ingredients. In fact, not all sunscreens are created equal, so maintaining healthy, glowing skin requires finding one that suits your skin type.
It is important to consider an SPF that is appropriate for your skin type-oily, dry, sensitive, or prone to acne-as it means more than just protecting it from the sun. This article will explain how to choose the ideal SPF based on your skin type and ensure that you always get the best care and protection when you go outside.
What is SPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of the efficacy of a sunscreen in protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVA stands for Ultraviolet A, which penetrates deeply into the skin, causing premature aging and damage. While UVB rays (Ultraviolet B) primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn and contributing to skin cancer, both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to the skin. The SPF rating indicates the length of time it would take for the skin to burn if sunscreen were not applied.
To get the SPF number, a simple formula is used. The number of seconds it takes a patch of skin to slightly redden when covered in sunscreen is divided by the number of seconds it takes to slightly redden when there is no sunscreen applied. Say it took 300 seconds for skin to burn with sunscreen, and 10 seconds to burn without it. 300 is divided by 10, which is 30. The SPF is 30.
Wrapping up
SPF 15 is estimated to block approximately 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30: Filters approximately 97% of UVB rays.
SPF 50: Blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays.
SPF 100: Shields against approximately 99% of UVB rays.
Choosing the best sunscreen for your skin type
Choosing the right sunscreen isn't just about adding the highest SPF number to your beauty routine. Your skin type plays a crucial role, and you need to know what ingredients, texture, and protection work better for you.
Oily or acne-prone skin:
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a sunscreen that's oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Lightweight, gel-based sunscreens or those labeled "matte finish" are ideal. For example, Let it Sun SPF 50+ is a top pick for its non-greasy formula that helps control shine throughout the day.
Dry skin:
For those who suffer from dry or dehydrated skin, moisturizing is a must. A sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer can be especially beneficial. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane that help lock in moisture. Our Sun Drops SPF 30/50 Sunscreen Oil is an excellent choice because it provides protection while keeping skin hydrated and smooth.
Sensitive Skin:
Sensitive skin types need sunscreens that are free of potential irritants such as fragrance, parabens or alcohol. It is also good to include ingredients like green tea and aloe vera to calm redness and create a protective shield.
Lucky for you, Let it Sun and Sun Drops contain those anti-inflammatory ingredients. They are both ideal for sensitive skin!
Darker Skin Tones:
People with darker skin tones often have trouble finding a sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast. That's not a problem with Jess beauty's sunscreens, which not only offer broad spectrum protection, but also are colorless, lightweight and leave no residue after application.
How to apply and reapply sunscreen correctly
Once you have selected the appropriate SPF for your skin type, proper application becomes equally important. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going out in the sun and in the right amount to cover all exposed areas - don't forget the ears, neck and back of the hands.
The frequency of reapplication is what makes it ever more powerful. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often, if you swim or sweat a lot.
Jess Beauty Sunscreens
As we've seen, different skin types require different sunscreen formulations, and Jess Beauty has options to serve these varying needs. For example,
Our Let it Sun SPF 50 is perfect for those with oily or combination skin. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides a matte finish that controls shine throughout the day. Ingredients like Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera help soothe and protect the skin, making it perfect for sensitive skin types.
Benefits:
- Sunburn and aging protection: The SPF 50+ formulation provides robust protection against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn and skin aging, and reduces the risk of wrinkles and dark spots.
- Reduces redness: Aloe Vera extract helps soothe the skin, reducing the redness and inflammation associated with sun exposure.
- No white cast: The gel-like consistency ensures that the product absorbs quickly without leaving a white residue and it's ideal for all skin tones.
- Matte Finish: This sunscreen leaves a matte finish, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin who prefer a non-shiny look.
For those who need more hydration, Jess Beauty Sundrop SPF 30/50 Sunscreen Oil is a fantastic choice. It offers high protection while nourishing the skin with ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E, making it especially beneficial for dry skin. Its silky texture leaves skin feeling moisturized without a greasy residue.
Benefits:
- Hydration: Sun Drops provide intense hydration to extremely dry and flaky skin, leaving skin feeling soft and supple.
- Antioxidant Protection: Green Tea Extract helps fight free radicals and reduce premature aging.
- No White Cast: Unlike many traditional sunscreens, this product doesn't leave a white residue on the skin, making it suitable for all skin tones.
- Versatility: It works as an SPF, moisturizer and primer. Available in both SPF 30+ and SPF 50+, it allows users to choose their level of sun protection based on their exposure needs.
