Sticks, sprays, gels: It’s the summer of sunscreen (and we’re not complaining!)

Planning to tie the knot this summer? We are sure your vanity bag has at least one cooling spray mist, a face gel, and, of course, sunscreen. Recently, the beauty industry has introduced new textures and forms to sunscreens—think a quick spray to a powder, a dab-on gel and more.  

Got the big three for your skin?
Underlining why sunscreen should be on top of everyone’s list, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, founder of Render Skin and Hair Clinics, says, “Without an adequate amount of sun protection, the skin undergoes three main changes—decrease in skin hydration, increase in skin melanin content and increased skin roughness. Hydration gives you a good glow, and an optimal melanin content gives you an even skin tone. Skin surface smoothness is very important for that dreamy, dewy look, which brides love.”

Gel, sticky and tinted—what works for you? 
In essence, a sunscreen is a topical product designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun by either reflecting, absorbing, or scattering the UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. Today, you get a variety of sunscreens in the form of a lotion, powder, cream, spray or even gel. If you’re wondering what type suits you best, Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, breaks it down. “The best type of sunscreen for you depends on your skin type, personal preferences, and the activities you will be doing. Gel sunscreens are a good option for oily skin as they are lightweight and don't leave a greasy residue. Sticky sunscreens are good for water sports or activities as they adhere better to the skin. Tinted sunscreens are good for those with uneven skin tone or those who prefer a little coverage. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is one that you will use regularly and generously, and provides broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30. Some people also prefer mineral-based sunscreens that use natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” she shares.

How much to use and how often

Wondering how many times sunscreen should be applied? Dr Rajan says at least twice a day. “Use long wear, durable mineral sunscreens if you are unable to reapply more frequently as needed with chemical sunscreens. The morning routine can simply be a moisturiser (if you have dry skin) and a sunscreen. If you’re a bride-to-be, an evening routine with exfoliants and actives, and a night time routine suited to deliver your specific goals (hydration/ texture improvement or pigmentation correction) should be started at least four to five months ahead of the big day,” she states.

We scouted around beauty shelves to see what’s available.

Murad City Skin Age Defense 

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum has 50+SPF, 100% mineral, shields against digital blue light damage, UVA, UVB and pollution. It is suitable for all skin types and has a soft peach tint that boosts radiance and an even tone.

Face Shop Naturalsun Eco No Shine Sun Powder

Face Shop Naturalsun Eco No Shine Sun Powder is perfect for those with oily skin.  It absorbs excess oil from the skin, protects it from harmful sun rays and also helps set your make-up. With SPF 30, PA ++, it is mattifying and sweat resistant powder and apt for sensitive and acne prone-skin. 

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro 

The multi-defense sunscreen with SPF 50 is an aqua UV gel packed with eight anti-oxidants. It makes for a 3-in-1 defense that tackles UVA/UVB, pollution and dehydration. The water-light emulsion features tiger lily extract, green tea, vitamins C and E, resveratrol and more. It absorbs quickly and helps promote the appearance of naturally firm, bouncy skin.

Body Shop Skin Defence Multi- Protection Lotion

Body Shop’s weightless, fast-absorbing product Skin Defence Multi-Protection Light Essence SPF 50 offers indoor and outdoor pollution protection. It has a moisturising formula that uses optimised broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filters and looks invisible, feels breathable, and is comfortable on skin. It’s also non-greasy and won’t leave a white sheen. Works well under make-up.

Thank you Farmer Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick

K-beauty brand Thank You Farmer’s letting you wipe away summer sun skin woes with a dab. The Sun Project Silky Calming Sun Stick contains a broad spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ and is smooth and silky to apply. The hypoallergenic formula contains ingredients such as calamine to help soothe skin inflammation and redness.  
 
Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen

Here’s a moisturiser-meets-sunscreen. This broad spectrum SPF 50 with PA++++ rating has a very light texture that spreads easily and disappears, leaving behind a natural, moisturised, non-shiny look. It’s loaded with Vitamins A, B, E and F that help repair skin and minimise damage caused by UV exposure.

Banana Boat Ultra Defense

As simple as a twist and lock spray, this sun protectant from Banana Boat can be carted along anywhere – from the gym and the office to your road trip. Lightweight and water resistant, it offers a powerful SPF 100, aiming to block blocks 99 per cent UVB rays. It is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin A and E. 

Juicy Chemistry Camellia and Red Raspberry Sunscreen

Juicy Chemistry’s natural sunscreen comes with SPF 30 protection. It contains cold-pressed oils such as sunflower oil that fortifies the skin barrier, red raspberry seed oil enriched with omega 3 fatty acids that protects skin against sun damage; shea butter, which deeply moisturises the skin; beeswax, which keeps skin hydrated and gives a better texture; and hemp seed oil that is rich in omega 6 fatty acids. It also has vitamin A and zinc oxide that helps reflecting and absorbing UVA and UVB rays. 

Mary Cohr Anti-Aging Milk 

If you are outdoors a lot, it demands a higher level of SPF for better protection. Try Mary Cohr’s Anti-Aging Milk SPF 50 that contains sun filters, melanin, and elastoprotectine, which protects the skin from harmful radiation and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. 

Sun Fluid tender coconut water with turmeric & basil

Here’s another treat with the right summer ingredients! Made with tender coconut water, fresh basil leaves and hydrating and cooling aloe Vera, Forest Essentials’ Sun Fluid SPF 50| PA++ shields the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. It also has Yashad Bhasma, a natural, effective form of SPF, prepared by finely processing pure Zinc metal with aloe vera juice. The Ayurvedic formulation is free from chemicals, parabens and petrochemicals.

St Botanica Sunblock Face & Body Mist

Spray on some sun defence with St Botanica’s Sunblock Face & Body Mist. With vitamin C and minerals that help minimise photo-ageing, dark spots and hyperpigmentation it also has extracts of chamomile, calendula, jasmine, green tea, and pomegranate for hydration. It is also lightweight and non-greasy.

SkinQ Sun Protect Gel 

SkinQ by celebrity dermatologist Dr Chytra is chemical-free, cruelty-free, and specifically made for Indian Skin. The gel has SPF40 with Vitamin C that helps fight off free radical damage and reduce pigmentation from tanning. It is non-comedogenic, non-greasy and leaves no residue.

Neutrogena’s Sheer Zinc Drytouch Mineral Face Sunscreen

Worried about your sunscreen leaving your face looking oily? Go for Neutrogena’s Sheer Zinc Drytouch Mineral Face Sunscreen. Formulated with Purescreen sourced zinc oxide technology it has SPF50 PA+++ it is sweat, water resistant, and suitable for sensitive skin. 

SunScoop Fluid Sunscreen

With a lightweight formula that is also transfer proof, SunScoop Fluid Sunscreen is apt for that humid summer day. It has SPF 60 and pa +++, is quick to be absorbed, benzophenone-free, sulphate-free, parabens-free, formaldehyde-free, synthetic fragrance-free and alcohol-free and is meant for all skin types. User it for a light and dewy look. 

Lead image: Ananya Panday/Instagram