Get Schooled in Sunscreen | By Madhuri Saritha

"I'm going to focus on 3 major things about sunscreen that everyone should be knowing/already know. 

1. What & Why do we need sunscreen? Sunscreen is typically the most essential part of the skincare routine & is something nobody should ever skip. We can only protect our skin from the most harmful UV rays by topically applying the right amount of sunscreen. As the name suggests it acts as a screen/shield to our skin. The benefits of sunscreen are not limited - It's the most underrated(or maybe not) anti-ageing product, helps with pigmentation/scarring, helps with sun protection (of course) & whatnot.  Sun damage is real and it takes years to resolve the issue. All you need to do is 'WEAR A SUNSCREEN DAILY, RAIN OR SHINE'.

2. How to choose the right sunscreen? Everyone always has this question on how to choose a sunscreen? There are two types of sunscreens - Physical & Chemical sunscreen. Neither of them is bad for your skin. The belief that physical sunscreens cause breakouts is a big myth. The idea that 'chemicals' in chemical sunscreen will harm your skin is another myth. The reality is... both physical & chemical sunscreens have chemicals in them. Chemical sunscreens typically absorb into the skin. It absorbs harmful UV rays, then converts them into heat & releases it from the body. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, acts as a shield that stays on top of the skin & reflects the sun rays. Some physical sunscreens also work as chemical sunscreens. You just have to test & see how it works on your skin. SPF Factor and PA gradings are the other two factors you have to keep in mind before choosing the sunscreen. SPF 50+ PA++++ is an ideal sunscreen according to me - depending on the sun exposure you are anticipating, you can choose a sunscreen with a strength that suits you. A sunscreen that leaves no white cast should also be considered as critical - few sunscreens often leave ghostly looking white casts on its users face. Chemical sunscreens seem to be well refined & lightweight when compared to physical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens are a little greasier & thicker.  None of them is harmful, you just have to be conscious about what works for your skin type before choosing the sunscreen. 

The LESS IS MORE rule doesn't work with sunscreens. You gotta apply the right amount of sunscreen for the sunscreen to work & protect your skin well. Ideally, 1 teaspoon of sunscreen needs to be applied on your face. You can even follow Fiddy's 3 finger rule - According to Jade (Fiddy Snails), the equivalent to three fingers is the right amount of sunscreen that needs to be applied on your face to get the right protection. I have been following this for a year now & it helps majorly. 

Bonus Information - It's also important to re-apply sunscreen every 3hours if you are exposed to the sun a LOT. I'm sure the idea of re-application must have stirred up a bunch of questions in a lot of your minds, the most prominent one probably being - How do we reapply sunscreen if we have our makeup on. There are actually some amazing, and incredibly effective sunscreen sprays/powders that can be applied on top of makeup!

That pretty much sums up all you need to know about sunscreen as a beginner. Remember - always use the right sunscreen for your skin in the right amount to do justice to your skincare routine. An extensive skincare routine is nothing without sunscreen"

- Madhuri Sarita
For more useful skincare content, follow Madhuri on Instagram @skinslayerblog


Until next time, 
Stay Curious. Stay Freequal.