Understanding the basics of sunscreen can be overwhelming, but this comprehensive guide on SPF For Beginners will help you navigate through the essentials to keep your skin safe and healthy. The benefits of wearing sun protection creams, serums and balms all year round outweigh the criticisms of the products feeling “too sticky” (which only means you haven’t the right formulation for you BTW!).

Shielding your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and keeping your skin free of hyperpigmentation are just a few reasons why you should be wearing SPF every day. Sun damage has also been sneakily ageing people’s skin faster than normal and making it look dull.

This is why when the biggest dermatologists on Instagram started sharing their personal faves, sunscreens were catapulted to the hype they deserved. The journey to long-term skin health begins with choosing the right SPF for your skin and here’s how to do it. 

SPF For Beginners – What Does SPF Stand For?

The reason why you’ll hear brands tell tales of their struggle to develop a sunscreen is because of the SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. It’s not an ingredient or another name for sunscreens but a measure that is attributed to a certain formulation after it’s able to pass the necessary lab tests. The number, 15…30…45…or even above 50, is the amount of sun protection a product can give you as compared to you not having any product on.

So a SPF 30 will be able to protect untanned skin 30 times more than the sun damage it will be exposed to on bare skin. But does that mean the higher the SPF the better? The simple answer is NO. Even a SPF 70 might not be able to protect your skin from UV damage if applied incorrectly.

Most experts argue that a minimum of SPF 30 in broad spectrum formula (that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) reapplied every two hours in direct sunlight is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your SPF routine. For extended periods of sun exposure in high altitudes, or if you have rosacea-prone fair skin, a SPF 50 and higher is sacrosanct. But if you’re hanging out around the house during the day with minimal sun exposure from your windows, a low protection like SPF 15 will suffice too!

SPF For Beginners – Mineral VS Chemical Sunscreen

Once you have your SPF number ballot out, assess your skin type to pick the right formula. For starters we’d say that one is not better than the other, it’s all about what your skin can handle and favours. Physical sunscreens contain mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that don’t let the sun’s rays penetrate your skin.

But they can give you a white cast, so people with medium to deep skin tones will find their application troublesome because of all the rubbing. However, they’re generally quite tolerable by most skin types, even acne-prone skin. Plus, they’re considered reef-safe; so your goal to stay green with your SPF routine will be fulfilled there.

When it comes to chemical sunscreens, their application is much easier as they’re quite lightweight and have no chances for leaving a white cast. They work by absorbing the UV rays and neutralising harmful effects before it can damage the epidermis and deeper layers of the skin. But, sensitive to irritation-prone skin types can find them quite “stingy”.

But if you’re someone who likes to stay active by sweating it out outdoors, or swimming, a chemical SPF will be the best way to ensure maximum protection. If all else fails, brands are now coming up with hybrid formulas for people who can never make up their mind about anything!

SPF For Beginners – Is Reapplying Sunscreen Important?

Before we get into sunscreen reapplication, which has the beauty industry divided, let’s look at what the first application should be like. Sunscreen should be worn everyday, all year round. Squeeze out three fingers worth of product on your palm and apply all over your face and neck.

For beach days, one shot glass worth of SPF is essential for the body too. If three fingers seems too much for your skin, go for a little lesser amount and top it off with SPF-infused makeup. And yes, reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, especially when you’re out and about in the open sun, is crucial to ensure you’re getting maximum protection.

If you do not want to mess up your makeup, SPF formats like powder and matte sticks can also come in handy. So basically, you have no excuse to not wear, reapply or touch up your sunscreen throughout the day!

Featured Image – ©instagram/gareth__valentino