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What is the right way to apply sunscreen in all the seasons?

Using sunscreen should be an important part of your skincare regime. But do you know it's vital to apply it even on days when there’s no sun?
sunscreen during monsoon
Use sunscreen all through the year. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Gurpreet Kaur
Published On: 15 Jul 2022, 05:39 pm IST
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You must have heard from your elders that taking care of your skin in all seasons and at every stage of life is important. It is so because that’s the only way to keep your skin healthy and look good. And who doesn’t want their skin to look all plump and youthful? However, with so many beauty products in the market, we tend to get overwhelmed regarding what skin care regime to follow. But let us tell you that the one product that should be mandatory in your skincare regime is none other than sunscreen.

If you use sunscreen, it not only offers protection against skin cancer-causing Ultraviolet or UV radiations, but it is also necessary for all weathers. People tend to think that if there’s no sun outside, it is okay to not apply sunscreen. But let us tell you, that the UV rays may be coming into your house through the doors and windows. Even if it’s cloudy outside or snowing for that matter, UV rays are still coming to you anyway. So, it’s always better to wear a sunblock every single day.

How to apply sunscreen the right way:

1. Apply a thick coat of sunscreen

Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and body. Do it on a regular basis in order to protect yourself from the UV rays and their side-effects. If you just apply a thin layer of sunblock, there are chances of it getting wiped off.

sunscreen in summer
Use sunscreen carefully. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Keep reapplying sunscreen

If you think that one application of sunscreen will keep you safe from all sun damage, then you are living in denial as due to sweating or contact with clothes, skin and water, it can be washed away easily. So make sure to reapply it every two hours to get optimum protection.

3. Apply it before you step it

Are you thinking that on a cloudy or rainy day, you do not need sunblock, then you are wrong. You need to put sunscreen at least 15 minutes to half an hour before you step out of your house as it can take that much time to be completely absorbed into your skin for protection from the harsh sun rays.

Also, read: Use sunscreen, but also keep these tips handy to prevent sunburns

4. Wear sunscreen even under your makeup

Heading out for that brunch with your female friends, but skipped sunscreen? Well, not a great idea. Even when several cosmetic brands have introduced SPF protection in their products, they are not enough. So always use sunblock in your pre make-up prep for skin and also reapply it often. You can also use a spray based sunscreen which gives you enough protection over makeup if you do not want your skin to look patchy.

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5. Use the correct SPF in all seasons

Using a sunblock is important but using the correct SPF is more important than that. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 blocks nearly 97 percent of the UVB radiators, SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent and lastly, SPF 100 blocks about 99 percent. You need at least SPF 30 to get enough protection.

SPF to prevent skin damage
You need the right SPF to ensure your skin doesn’t get damaged due to the sun. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Buy a sunscreen according to your skin type

Now there’s sunscreen for every skin type, isn’t that great? For instance, if you have oily skin, go for a mattifying SPF. In fact, there are two types of sunblock available in the market now, one is chemical and the second is physical. If you are allergic to chemical ones, you can try the latter.

To say the least, keep in mind that that sunblock is to be religiously applied, despite the season, place you’re at and weather. It is nothing but your year-round preventive measure for healthy skin.

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About the Author

A lifestyle journalist with a perennial hunger for all nice things in life - from fashion to food and different cultures. When she is not writing in her favourite coffee spot, she spends her time socializing with people or exploring different cities. ...Read More

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