Sunscreen is a must for everyone who goes out in the sun, no matter whether it is for fun, shopping or work. But, before you apply your sunscreen and step outside, it is important that you know how good your sunscreen protects you. You need to know if your sunscreen is strong enough to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.

SPF, the Sun Protection Factor is the basic aspect that one should consider while purchasing and applying a sunscreen on your body. SPF theoretically indicates the time you can stay in the sun without getting affected by the heat. For instance, if you apply a sunscreen with SPF 15, then you can enjoy the heat without getting burned for 15 times more the time than you would have without protection. If without a sunblock, your skin gets reddened in just 20 minutes, then by applying a sunscreen with SPF 20 will give you a protection for an average 300 minutes. However, an SPF sunscreen only protects you from UVB rays and not the UVA rays of the sun.

So, how do you choose an ideal sunscreen for yourself?

An ideal sunscreen protects you from all types of harmful rays of the sun. You can choose them based on the following aspects:

• It should be color, fragrance and preservative free.

• The sunscreen should protect you against a wide spectrum of rays, including UVA and UVB rays.

• It should have a minimum SPF 15 protection.

• The list of ingredients should include zinc oxide and also titanium dioxide. They protect you against the UVA rays.

• They should also be non-comedogenic and non-greasy.

• Additionally, they should be only sunscreen and not include any lightening agent.

Using the sunscreen rightly

• Apply your sunscreen a minimum 30 minutes prior to stepping out in the sun. A sunscreen with SPF 15 gives you only 93% protection from the UVB rays. On the contrary, SPF 30 gives you 97% protection.

• Apply and re-apply your sunscreen every 3 or 4 hours, regardless of which SPF you apply.

• Reapplication is important as perspiration can leave your skin vulnerable to the UV rays.

Types of Sunscreen

1. Gel based sunscreen: They get easily absorbed into the skin. Best for swimmers and people with acne-prone skin.

2. Cream based sunscreen: Best for children and also elderly people. Best for psoriatic cases or people with dry skin.

3. Sunscreen lotions: Best for applying it all over your body. Best for swimmers.

4. Sunscreen wipes: Ideal for people who are usually outdoors and cannot find time to reapply the sunscreen lotions and creams.

5. Spray sunscreens: Suitable for your legs, arms and thighs. However, never apply directly on face.

6. Tinted sunscreens: Give you a bronzed look. Choose the shade closer to your skin.

7. Powder sunscreens: A range of mineral sunscreens are available for people with sensitive skin.