How to Choose the Best Sunscreen SPF Level for Your Skin Type

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen SPF Level for Your Skin Type

Applying sunscreen every day is crucial for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Regardless of whether you’re inside or enjoying a day at the beach, your skin is constantly exposed to damaging UV rays. The solution? Experts across the globe advise using sunscreen to protect your skin and ensure its health and safety.

What Damage Can Ultraviolet Rays Do?

Skin aging cause by UV

Sunlight emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which interacts with the melanin found in our skin. Melanin absorbs a portion of the UV rays, but the remaining radiation can damage the skin. Individuals with lighter skin tones typically have less melanin and are thus more susceptible to skin problems caused by UV exposure.

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation leads to various skin concerns, including:

  • Sunburn: Overexposure to UV light causes melanin breakdown, leading to painful sunburn, redness, and blistering.

  • Premature Aging: UV radiation can cause the skin to thicken and wrinkle over time. It can also result in freckles and the expansion of blood vessels under the skin.

  • Cataracts: UV rays also harm the eyes, potentially causing long-term damage to the retina and impairing vision.

  • Skin Cancer: In the worst case, prolonged UV exposure can lead to skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In extreme cases, it can cause melanoma, a more aggressive form of skin cancer.

Regardless of the weather, sunscreen with SPF should be an essential part of your daily skincare routine. Even if you're not prone to sunburn or have darker skin, UV radiation can still damage your skin. Always opt for a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments!

UVA and UVB rays

There are two main types of UV light that you should protect yourself from – UVA and UVB.

UVB rays are most intense from spring to fall, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These rays can harm the outermost layer of your skin, leading to sunburn, irritation, and even increasing the risk of skin cancer.

On the other hand, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can even pass through windows or clouds. They are present year-round, regardless of weather conditions, and are the primary cause of long-term skin damage and premature aging.

premature aging protection

Both UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin in different ways, but they both pose significant risks. That's why it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from both types of UV rays.

Choosing the Right SPF

When selecting a sunscreen, it’s important to consider the level of sun protection you need. Hotter climates and high temperatures typically require sunscreens with a higher SPF.

In the past, SPF 15 sunscreens were considered adequate, but today, an SPF of at least 30+ is recommended for effective protection. Sunscreens with SPF lower than 15 can help prevent sunburn, but they do not offer sufficient protection against skin cancer or premature aging.

SPF 30 shields your skin from nearly all types of sun damage, allowing only 3% of UVB rays to penetrate.

As SPF numbers rise, the difference in protection becomes smaller. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks around 99%.

Selecting the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Consider your skin type when picking a sunscreen. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen that offers hydration. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a water-based, oil-free formula.

People with sensitive skin should avoid products containing fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol. You may also want to choose a water-resistant sunscreen that stays on even after swimming. For optimal results, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming.

Given the known dangers of UV exposure, it’s essential to pick a sunscreen brand that provides comprehensive protection against all UV rays while being gentle on your skin.

Dr Dream urban protective sun cream SPF 40 PA++

Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++

Dr. Dream®️ is a premium skincare brand renowned for creating sunscreens that not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also nourish and brighten it.

Step out with confidence while wearing the Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++, which offers comprehensive protection from damaging ultraviolet rays. This sunscreen not only shields your skin with an SPF rating but also moisturizes and enhances your skin's natural glow, setting it apart from other sunscreens.

Why Choose Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++?

One of the standout features of Dr. Dream®️’s sun cream is its ability to provide protection without leaving a white residue or greasy feeling. It also remains effective and feels light, even during intense workouts or outdoor activities.

Much like many other Korean sunscreens, Dr. Dream®️ is enriched with carefully selected plant extracts. These extracts help to nourish your skin, reduce UV-induced fatigue, and provide moisturizing benefits that protect your skin from irritation, leaving your face fresh, glowing, and flawless.

Additionally, Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++ is dermatologically tested and incorporates a powder gel system that enhances SPF performance. It is free of synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and petroleum-based oils, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

How to Use Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++

For optimal results, incorporate Dr. Dream®️ sun cream into your daily skincare routine. Apply 20-30 minutes before exposure to sunlight, ensuring you cover your face, neck, and hands evenly with an adequate amount of cream. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or towel drying to maintain the best protection.

Conclusion

Rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, sunscreen should always be a key part of your morning skincare routine. Protect and rejuvenate your skin with Dr. Dream®️ Urban Protective Sun Cream SPF 40 PA++ and guard against harmful UV rays with ease.


Back to blog