A Beginner's Guide to Sunscreen

 We see so many skin care trends come and go. But one skin care after moisturizer that is stable is sunscreen. But with the trand came multiple options in the market that can surely overwhelming for some. This blog aims to provide a beginner's guide to sunscreen. This blog touch on all the basics of sunscreen from filters to formulation and for whom what is an ideal sunscreen. 

History of sunscreen

According to 'The New York Times' in 1938 a Swiss chemistry student named Franz Greiter suffer sunburn while climbing Mount Piz Buin on the Swiss- Austrian border and sets out to invent an effective sunscreen. 

Then in 1944 Benjamin Green, an airman and pharmacist, uses a greasy substance called “red vet pet" (red veterinary Petrolatum) to protect soldiers from UV rays during  “World War II " . 

Cut to short now we have so many options in the market, all the way from lightweight to weightless. 

Types of sunscreen (filters) 

1) Mineral/physical sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen sit on top on the skin 's surface , acting as physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin like mirrors. Because they block UV rays at the surface level.There are 2 major mineral filters viz. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. 

Pros 

I) Effective immediately

II) will not clog pores

III) safe and effective

IV) great for kids

Cons

I) Leave white cast

II) Require frequent reapply

III) May cause break-out

Ideal for

I) Kids and young children

II) Pragent woman

III) people who wants to be on a safer side

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen are absorbed into your skin and sits on the deeper layers of the skin. They absorb UV rays and change them into heat , then release the heat from the skin. 

Pros

I) simple and quick to apply

II) no white cast

III) great under makeup

Cons

I) permits some UVA expoure 

II) not a complete proctection 

III) triggers sensitive skin

Ideal for 

I) people on the go

II) daily makeup wearers

III) people who don't like white cast

Hybrid sunscreen

Hybrid sunscreen, as you probably guessed, combin both mineral and chemical filters. So you get the hybrid sunscreen. 

Pros 

I) easy to use

II) comparatively safer

III) have less white cast

Cons

I) may erritate sensitive skin

II) can be sometimes expensive

Ideal for

I) suitable for all skin type

Types of sunscreen ( formulation) and Ideal for whom? 

  

I) Creams and Lotions 

For all skin types under make up. But specially dry and combination skin. 

II) Sunscreen spray 

Generally suitable for all skin types. Ideal for reappliction on top of makeup. 

III) Sunscreen Sticks

Great for people on the go and also some of them can be used on top of makeup. 

IV) Powder

Ideal on top of makeup as a setting power and is ideal option for people with oliy skin. 

Hope this blog have helped you in gaining more clarity about sunscreen I tried my best at at touching all the basics of sunscreen and after this I hope you'll make a better choice in buying sunscreen.