Summer in Nepal brings rain, humidity, and high temperatures. The days are longer, and the sun is stronger, making it even more important to wear sunscreen every day. Men, women, and people of all ages and genders need to wear sunscreen to protect against sun damage. Sunscreen should be one of the skincare products that you use every day. Here’s a complete guide to sunscreen to answer all your questions about this necessary health and beauty product.
What Is Sunscreen and Why Do You Need It?
Sunscreen is a skincare product that protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause sunburn and can increase your risk of skin cancer. The damage from UV rays builds up over time. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you may notice these effects from the sun:
- More wrinkles
- Dark spots
- Dry or flaky skin
- Uneven skin tone and texture
These negative effects happen even on cloudy days and even when you’re sitting inside all day. UV rays move through clouds and windows, so you need to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or if you’ll be outside or not. If you are outside, remember to wear other protective clothing and gear such as a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
When you shop for sunscreen, you’ll see various products such as lotions, gels, skincare creams, tinted serums, and sticks. These products are sold as either mineral or chemical sunscreens. Mineral and chemical sunscreens both protect your skin from the sun, but they do that in different ways.
Mineral sunscreen, also called physical sunscreen, contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act like a shield to block the sun. The minerals sit on top of the skin and physically stop the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. Because mineral sunscreen doesn’t have to sink into your skin to block the sun’s rays, it works as soon as you apply it.
Chemical sunscreen works by using ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone. These chemicals are like sponges. Once they penetrate your skin, they absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. After you apply sunscreen with chemical ingredients, you need to wait 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than Chemical Sunscreen?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can protect your skin from getting damaged by the sun, but you must wear a sunscreen product with a minimum of SPF 30. There are pros and cons when using either a mineral or chemical sunscreen, and it often comes down to personal preference and skin type.
Mineral sunscreen is good for sensitive skin and is safe for children to use. However, it usually has a thick consistency and can leave a white cast on the skin. Technological breakthroughs are helping companies develop thinner and translucent mineral sunscreens, but you should try a sample to see what the sunscreen looks like on your skin before you commit.
Chemical sunscreens are very lightweight and sink into the skin quickly, making them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. However, many of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs, and some scientists recommend that chemical sunscreen shouldn’t be used on children below age 5. Also, you need to remember to wait before going out in the sun because chemical sunscreens take time to activate.
The bottom line is that wearing sunscreen benefits your skin and overall health. So whether you choose mineral or chemical, you’re making the right choice when you wear sunscreen.
How Do You Know When a Product Is Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen?
If you’re not familiar with sunscreen, you may not know how to tell the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen products. Chemical sunscreen products don’t have a specific label to announce the type of sunscreen they are, but mineral sunscreens too.
When you look at a product, it will say “mineral sunscreen” if it is a mineral sunscreen product. You can also look at the ingredients label to see if it has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If you see ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, that product is a chemical sunscreen.
How Do You Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin?
Selecting the perfect sunscreen can feel overwhelming with all the options available. You should always choose a product labeled “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against all UVA and UVB rays. Also, ensure that the product has a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30, and if you will be swimming or sweating a lot, choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.
Before you choose a sunscreen, consider these factors:
- Your skin type
- The climate and season
- How and where you’ll use the product
You may even decide to use one sunscreen for your face, one for your body, and one to have in your purse for on-the-go. Having multiple types of sunscreen on hand just means you won’t forget to use it.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin?
If you have oily skin, it’s best to use a gel sunscreen, a sunscreen stick, or a mattifying sunscreen. Gel and mattifying sunscreen can act as primers before putting on makeup.
Sunscreen sticks are great for sliding over makeup or for using on the go. Just look for a mattifying stick sunscreen or one with a transparent formula.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin?
Avoid using mattifying sunscreen if you have dry skin because it can make your skin more uncomfortable and lead to problems with texture and flaking. If you want to use a gel formula for sunscreen, make sure it has hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Sunscreen sticks are fine for people with dry skin as long as the formula is lightly moisturizing. When you go outside during the monsoon season, you may notice that the harsh sun dries out your skin faster, so consider starting your day with a more moisturizing product.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin?
When you have combination skin, you have some dry areas and some oily areas. Avoid mattifying products that can dry out your skin, and instead use gel-based sunscreen, an oil-free sunscreen stick, or a very lightweight sunscreen lotion.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone or Sensitive Skin?
When you’re having regular breakouts, use sunscreen that doesn’t clog your pores. Opt for a product that is lightweight and has no fragrance so that you can minimize irritation. You can also look for products that say they are gentle on the skin.
If you have sensitive skin, always avoid products with added fragrance. Using mineral sunscreen may help you reduce redness and irritation as well.
What’s the Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin?
To care for mature skin, choose sunscreen products with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and more. Make sure you put on sunscreen in the morning before you start your day to minimize the impact of the sun’s harmful rays.
What’s the Best Sunscreen for Each Season?
In Nepal, the seasons bring very different types of weather. During the summer, the monsoon rains bring high humidity, which can make cream sunscreens feel sticky and heavy on the skin. Use a lightweight cream, a gel, or a sunscreen stick to let your skin breathe in the hot and humid weather.
Nepal’s dry winters can make your skin feel much drier than usual. During the winter, from November to March, you may want to switch to a creamier sunscreen or one with hyaluronic acid or other moisturizing ingredients.
What’s the Best Way To Use Sunscreen?
To get the best results from your sunscreen, you have to know how to use it. Here are tips to help you get the most out of your sunscreen:
Tip #1: Apply sunscreen first thing in the morning after washing your face.
Tip #2: Use a generous amount of product to fully cover your skin.
Tip #3: Cover your entire face and all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, and arms.
Tip #4: Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or playing outdoor sports.
What Is the Best Brand of Sunscreen?
Despite what you might see online, there isn’t just one brand of sunscreen that is best. The best sunscreen for you is the one you will wear every day.
If you’re looking for a high-quality sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin, look up reviews online or visit us at one of our Trucare Pharmacy stores to try some of our customers’ favorite sunscreens at the tester counter.
Some brands of sunscreen receive high praise for their products because of innovative engineering and technology that make their products comfortable to wear and highly effective. Some of our customers’ favorite brands are:
- The Derma Co.
- Earth Rhythm
- Beauty of Joseon
- Mamaearth
- FixDerma
- The Purest Solution
- Cerave
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. It’s essential for protecting your skin and ensuring healthy, glowing skin in every season.
Get Your Sunscreen Delivered to Your Door
Shop online with Trucare Pharmacy and Beauty Store and get your favorite sunscreen delivered to your door anywhere in Nepal. We carry a large selection of the best sunscreens in Nepal. Browse online or visit us in-store to speak with a skincare expert to find your holy grail sunscreen today.