Suggest ways to choose sunscreen to protect your skin safely

During the hot season, sunscreen is an indispensable cosmetic bag. However, the market abounds with sunscreen categories. What kind is good? Which type suits my skin? It's hard to say if you don't understand the sunscreen ingredients thoroughly. Join Harper's Bazaar to learn how to decode sunscreen ingredients through product labels; as well as how to choose the best sunscreen that suits you.

1. Check the SPF index of sunscreen

For sunscreen to work long-term, you have to apply it continuously throughout the day - just using it every morning is not enough. So how long should you wait before applying sunscreen again? This is the time you have to read the SPF index.

SPF - instant Sun Protection Factor - explains how long you can 'kick' in the sun before having to reuse sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the longer you can wait. SPF ranges from 15 to 100. However, the higher the number does not mean that it has a better sun protection effect.

Dermatologists recommend using products with an SPF of about 50. Why not use it higher? 'High SPF products often have thicker, leaving white streaks on the skin after use. This creates a false sense of "safety" for users. When using a product with a high SPF, many people do not reuse in the necessary time; resulting in sunburned skin '.

2. The product must be resistant to both UVA and UVB rays

In the sun contains two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB rays. UVB ultraviolet rays damage the skin surface, causing sunburn. As for UVA, it attacks at the level of the epidermis below the epidermis; causes skin aging, brown spots, and sagging or wrinkling skin. Both of these ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer.

Usually, sunscreens work against UVB rays. But to fight UVA, sunscreen needs to display PA + index. The more signs there are, the higher the resistance to UVA rays.

3. Should you use physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen have different sun protection effects. Whichever product you choose depends on your preferences as well as your skin.

Chemical sunscreen

Using chemical ingredients to absorb ultraviolet rays Do not leave white spots on the skin, should be popular. Common ingredients are oxybenzone, octinoxate or avobenzone. May cause allergy to sensitive skin. bad to the environment; Especially can cause coral death when diving.

Physical sunscreen

Using natural ingredients as minerals Create a barrier and reverse the ultraviolet rays from the skin Common ingredients are Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide Because of the mineral composition, physical sunscreen can leave a white film. on skin Better for those with sensitive skin

4. Should I use waterproof sunscreen?

The 'water proof' or 'waterproof' label on sunscreen implies: the product will be hard to remove from your face when you're active, for example swimming, diving or playing on the sand. However, they are only effective for about 40 minutes. Therefore, you should still pay attention to applying sunscreen regularly. Anti-drift sunscreen has no longer effect than conventional sunscreen.

5. Are sunscreens better than the testers?

Sometimes you will see the line 'Dermatologist Tested' or 'Dermatologist Recommended' on product information. What does this message mean? Preliminary, we can understand as follows:

Dermatologist Tested: Clinically tested. This product has been checked by dermatologists and said the quality meets the standard of testing. Recommended Dermatologist: Be trusted by experts. Some companies will give samples to dermatologists for use. After that, they will ask for opinions about product quality; as well as whether doctors encourage patients to use this product. If the product quality is not bad, it will probably be listed as a 'good product'.

You have to note that these two idioms are mostly promotional. Currently, there are no authorities authorized to use these two words in advertising messages.

6. Do you need to care about sunscreen for your face or body?

Sunscreen for face skin is designed to not clog pores, does not cause acne. In addition, we often do not like white streaks left by sunscreen. Therefore, face skin sunscreen is made from a combination of chemical and physical ingredients. They are also designed to be easily applied evenly over the face; and for us to use cosmetics with makeup.

Body sunscreen is the opposite. They are thicker, more concentrated. And they are also given priority to design waterproof features, to limit the loss of when we sweat.

7. Remember to read the extra ingredients on the product label

Of course, we always pay attention to the main ingredients (active or active ingredients) in sunscreen. That's because they . work against the sun. But inactive ingredients are also important.

For example, those with sensitive skin should not choose sunscreens and insect repellent creams. Or contain aroma (fragrance). These substances can cause skin allergies.

You should also especially avoid sunscreens with parabens. These active ingredients have been tested to cause cancer; especially breast cancer.