Sun Protection | Buying & Using Sunscreen Properly

We always hear that this sunscreen is really good, and that sunscreen has this much SPF. But have you ever wondered what all these SPF and PA means and how much is actually good for your skin? Summer season all around the world is unbearable but here in India, especially Delhi, it is scorching hot. Just thinking about stepping out in the sun is giving hot flashes, imagining what it will do to my skin. Tanning, sunburn and rashes are very common kinds of sun damage that we can see with our eyes, but the rays from the sun can cause severe damage in the long term such as premature skin ageing, dark spots, wrinkles and dryness on your skin. Before picking out just any Sunscreen, I have tried to answer all your queries about Sun protection. Let's get started!

What is SPF?

SPF is an abbreviation of sun protection factor. It is a measurement to represent UVB blocking effect caused by sunburn. It means UV ray amount will be decreased by 35 to one when you apply SPF 35 sunscreen if the UV ray level is one. The higher the SPF the better.

What does PA mean?

PA simply means Protection Grade of UVA rays, which is used to measure the SPF of a sunscreen. This Japanese measurement ranking which is now widely used is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) reaction reading at 2-4 hours of sun exposure. Protective grade of sunscreen is often levelled as PA+, PA++, PA+++ with the more plus sign the more protection from UVA rays. PA is ranked by + grade, so the more + the higher rank. PA+ means light UVA block, PA++ means moderate UVA block and PA+++ means high UVA block.

Which sunscreen is good, organic or inorganic?

Both are equally good if they have the same SPF and PA factors. In inorganic sunscreens, the UV rays are reflected when you apply sunscreen on the skin. While on the other hand, in organic sunscreens UV is blended with sunscreen so that UV cannot be absorbed into the skin.

Usually, makeup products contain UV blocking effect, but do we still need sunscreen?

Makeup products are not enough to block UV, so it is much better to use sunscreen before starting makeup.

What is the best morning routine for sun protection?

This is my tried and tested morning routine so you can make a few changes in it according to the products you are using.

Cleanser-->Toner-->Serum-->Cream-->Sunscreen-->Foundation/Cushion/BB cream-->Rest of makeup

Do we have to apply sunscreen in cloudy day or winter season?

UV beats down in all seasons and at all times, so you have to apply sunscreen every day. These days, the skin cancer rate is increasing because people are exposed to UV rays a lot. So apply sunscreen before you go out to protect you from UV rays and tanning.

How to use sunscreen properly?

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving and reapply every 2-3 hours, even if you are indoors.
You should apply sunscreen on the face where you think it is not needed. UV causes skin photoaging and dullness. The face muscle is connected to ear and also around hairline so do not forget to apply sunscreen on this area for preventing ageing.

If you are looking for a good sunscreen, you can read all about it here...

Tips to choose the right sunscreen

I hope this was helpful for you and you got your answers. My favourite sunscreen right now is Innisfree Daily UV Protection Mild SPF35 PA+++. This is very gentle on my skin and quite lightweight. It does not leave any white cast and dries to a matte finish. What I love best about it is the controlled sebum production. My face does not get oily even if I sweat or as the day passes on.

If you have any other queries regarding this, you can ask me all about it in the comments below..
Do not forget to leave your thoughts and suggestions as well.

Lots of Love!!!
XOXO