Everything You Need To Know About Sunscreens And Which Ones To Pick

Summer’s officially here and let’s face it. No matter how much we worship the sunscreen and lather it on all parts of our body, hoping to keep tanning at bay, the truth is, most of us don’t really know why we are actually applying it in the first place, or what it is supposed to prevent.

So why do we need sunscreen anyway (‘cause honestly, it all melts off in the next 5 minutes of application)? The sun’s rays consist of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. While the lesser known UVC isn’t responsible for skin cancer, the much raved-and-hated UVA and UVB rays have major roles to play in tanning and burning. While we all love a healthy dose of Vitamin D, what we don’t know is that Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main culprit responsible for skin cancer, with UVA playing a crucial part in skin ageing and wrinkling. On the other hand, UVB is accountable for tanning, burning, and skin cancer. 

Also, the much-hyped holy SPF number that we all expertly check before purchasing a bottle of sunscreen is sadly, not everything. Yes, sure, it does count. But the Sun Protection Factor (our beloved SPF) is only the measure of a sunscreen’s ability to filter UVB rays, and not UVA rays.

With all that information in hand, let’s get to the best sunscreens that will bounce back those harmful sun rays.  

1. Ban the sun with Innisfree's Perfect UV Protection Essence Water Base SPF 50+ PA+++. 

Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Essence Water Base SPF 50+ PA+++. (Buy from here) 

2. Make Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ your go-to sunscreen this summer.Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++. (Buy from here) 

3. Avene's Very High Protection SPF 50+ Spray makes the job of applying sunscreen a smooth, smooth process. 

Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Spray. (Buy from here) 

4. This ultra-lightweight mineral sunscreen is the protective shield that you are looking for. 

Clinique SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face. (Buy from here) 

5. If you're looking for a natural sunscreen, Kama Ayurveda's Natural Sun Protection SPF-21 is your safest bet. 

Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF 21. (Buy from here) 

6. Going for a beach swim? Uriage's Bariésun SPF 50+ is the ideal genius of a sunscreen to bank on. It not only protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays, but also moisturises it.

Uriage Bariésun SPF 50+. (Buy from here) 

7. This heavenly-smelling sun protection cream by The Face Shop is soon going to make it to your summer essentials list. 

The Face Shop Natural Sun No-Shine Hydrating Sun Cream. (Buy from here) 

There you go. Bask in the glory of summertime. 

Assisted by Dishari Basu.