While sunscreen usage is recommended daily, reports show that only 38.1% of Australians use it on most days around late spring and summer. It also showed that only 27% of the men and 50.7% of the women used it.
Especially if you’re heading to the beach, sunscreen is non-negotiable! Otherwise, you may get serious burns all over your exposed skin.
However, if choosing sunscreen is a big hurdle for you, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Which sunscreen to choose? How to make it more effective? How to apply it? So many questions. Don’t panic; simply carry on reading to find the answers
How to Choose Sunscreen for Your Beach Trip?
Tip 1. Choosing the Right Sunscreen SPF
A big part of choosing the best sunscreen suited for you is mostly about choosing the right SPF (sun protection factor). By choosing the right SPF, you can protect your skin from the sun’s UVB rays.
The greater the SPF value, the more protection it offers. For instance, SPF 15 filters up to 94% of UVB rays. SPF 30 – the most commonly used and suggested by dermatologists – filters 97% of UVB. SPF 50 protects you from 98-99% of UVB rays. SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays.
So, how do you know what SPF to use?
Choose SPF 30 if you will stay under the direct sun for only a while and SPF 50 if you will mostly get direct sun rays.
Tip 2: Maximize Sunscreen's Effectiveness Through Pairing
Sometimes, when the Sun has set its mind to roasting you, sunscreen might not be enough. You need to pair it with other summer essentials to maximize its effectiveness.
Pair sunscreen with UPF-rated clothes, wide hats, and sunglasses to provide extra protection against the heat.
To further compliment them, swap bulky towels for lightweight, 100% cotton zip-up towel hoodies. They dry fast, cover skin, and block wind and sun while you dry off.
Packing these items for your time in the sun would help sunscreen do its job better and minimize your chances of facing any heat-related troubles.
Tip 3. Picking a “Broad Spectrum” Protection Sunscreen
“How to know which SPF to use” is not the only question when picking sunscreen. After all, the sun emits both UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays cause skin burns and play a significant role in skin cancer.
UVA rays are far more intense and cause premature skin aging, sunburn, and an increased chance of skin cancer. UVA rays are present even when it’s cloudy!
Pick a sunscreen with a " Broad Spectrum " label to protect yourself from both kinds of UV rays and reduce the intensity of damage.
Tip 4. Choosing the Right Sunscreen Type: Mineral vs. Chemical
Before choosing a sunscreen for your beach vacation, understand which types work better for you: mineral (physical) sunscreen or chemical ones.
To make a better choice, here are some significant factors about each of them.
Active Ingredients: Mineral sunscreens are primarily made of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Mechanism: Mineral sunscreen reflects UV rays, while chemical ones absorb them.
Suitability: Mineral sunscreen is better for individuals with sensitive skin (acne and eczema-prone) and children. It’s gentle and offers immediate function. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, is great for everyday use as a problem-free sunscreen.
White Cast: Mineral sunscreen may leave a white cast due to the high percentage of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most chemical ones don’t leave a white cast and blend in great.
Go for a type that suits your skin type and preferences.
Tip 5. Choosing the Right Sunscreen Formula and Applicator Type
Sunscreen formula isn’t beyond its ingredients. So, check out which of the following is best for your skin.
Common Formula Types
The following are usually found in tubes (like toothpaste).
Lotion/Cream: Lotion and cream-based sunscreen formulas are best for dry skin and arid climates. They offer optimum hydration and are easy to apply. You can make sure that you have applied it evenly everywhere.
Gel: Gel-based sunscreens are best for oily and sensitive skin. People also use it on the scalp or hairy body parts to prevent sweating and greasiness. The lightweight formula is popular among kids.
Unique Applicator Types
Spray: Spray-type sunscreens in aerosol bottles are great for a quick touch-up and hard-to-reach areas, like the back. However, it’s difficult to understand whether you have enough coverage. Plus, you may inhale the sunscreen.
Stick: Stick-type formulation (available in containers with bead fork screw mechanisms like lipstick). These are thick but less messy and easy to use. However, they will contact your skin directly, making them less hygienic.
Tip 6. Prioritising Sunscreen Water Resistance
If you want to swim a lot or stay active during the trip and sweat, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. These stick to your skin even if you apply water, wash yourself (without scrubbing), or sweat.
Remember, no sunscreen is truly waterproof, so avoid buying ones with “waterproof” on the label.
Tip 7. Choosing Sunscreen with a Dermatologist Consultation
Even after these tips, several people ask, “How do you know which sunscreen to use?”
Most people want exact sunscreen brand and model suggestions.
If you’re not certain how to choose sunscreen or which one works best for your specific skin type, you can always consult a dermatologist. Experts will be able to understand your skin’s exact needs. They will suggest a reliable sunscreen brand. It can be drugstores or pharma ones.
A professional consultation is important, especially if your skin is highly sensitive to acne and becomes itchy. Mention this to your doctor, and they will suggest a non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Tip 8 (Bonus). Considering an Environment-Friendly Sunscreen
If you are going to swim and are concerned about the environment’s safety, then here are some additional considerations while choosing sunscreen:
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If the beach is near a coral reef, avoid sunscreens with octinoxate and oxybenzone. These impact the reefs. So, go for one with labels that say “Reef-Safe” or “Ocean-Safe.”
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Consider fragrance-free or lightly scented options. Fragrant sunscreens have more chemicals that harm marine life.
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Check if you can find sunscreens with “biodegradable” on the label. These break down in the environment much more easily and faster without impacting any living being.
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Avoid ones with nanoparticles, as they also harm the environment. Check for labels with a “non-nano” prefix to the common ingredient list.
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Go for sunscreen with minimal paper and plastic packaging or reusable packaging.
How to Boost the Efficiency of Sunscreen and Stay More Protected?
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Apply sunscreen around 15-30 minutes before hitting the sun. This will let the sunscreen absorb into your skin and offer improved protection. Otherwise, the sunscreen will wash away with the water and sweat.
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Don’t excessively rub sunscreen on, or it loses its efficiency. An adult needs a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen for the face and neck combined
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Don’t miss the easy-to-forget areas, such as the ears and behind the ears, the tops of your feet, the scalp, and the back of your neck. Make sure you ask your people to apply it generously on your back as well.
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Choosing the right SPF has nothing to do with how long you can stay under the sun. It’s best to reapply sunscreen every 1.5-2 hours. Instead of applying sunscreen over your sweat-clad skin, clean yourself with a makeup wipe and then apply sunscreen generously.
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Always check the expiration date on sunscreen before adding it to your beach bag. Expired products can harm your skin by offering poor protection and causing irritability.
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Invest in UPF (ultra-violet protection factor) clothing for added safety.
Final Thoughts
When choosing sunscreen for beach trips, remember to prioritise your long-term health. Focus on finding the best for your skin instead of skimping on the price.
With the given tips, you will find the best sunscreen available on the market. However, don’t forget to protect yourself with additional covers, such as the gorgeously designed and velvety smooth zip-up towels from SunRealDays for both yourself and your kids!
Stay Protected and Hit the Beach!