Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin is as important as knowing why sunscreen is important. So let’s know first which Sunscreen to choose out of so many options available.

There is two main ingredients in Sunscreen, physical which is also called minerals and chemical ingredients. some sunscreen has either of one or both the ingredients. The Physical ingredients or minerals which has mainly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are small particles which sit on the skin’s surface and physically prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin and while chemical ingredients absorb the UV rays and convert it into heat and dissipate from skin.

Sunscreen should be used before 15 to 30 minutes to going outside. Sunscreen should be used after washing and moisturising your face. Reapplication every two hours is necessary.

Always choose sunscreen which has :

1. Broad spectrum protection which means the protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. SPF 15 : Ideal for everyday, occasional outings, for those who are more indoors than outdoors.
3. SPF 30 OR HIGHER : Necessary for extended outdoor activities like swimming, running, hiking or other outdoor sports.
4. Water Resistant : Ideal for outdoor sports which includes sweating and water sports like swimming.
5. PA++ OR HIGHER which is protection grade for UVA rays. Higher the grade higher the protection.

Here are the list of best Sunscreens available in the market. Some of the sunscreen are expensive but Sunscreen is more of a drug to protect you from skin cancer, skin aging and pigmentation caused by UV rays than just a beauty product. Invest in a good sunscreen is the key to protect your skin.

1. Cetaphil Sun SPF 30 Light Gel

This sunscreen is fragrance and paraben free. it is a light-weight sunscreen has broad spectrum protection, SPF of 30 and water resistant. It doesn’t give white residue. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin type including sensitive skin. This costs 1150 rupees for 100 ml.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

Neutrogena ultra sheer dry touch sunscreen is light and matte. It is oil free and won’t clog pores. It doesn’t cast white residue. it is PABA free and non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic. It is best suited for normal, oily and combination skin type. it gives broad spectrum protection and has SPF of 50+. It is water resistant. It costs 650 rupees for 88ml.

3. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+

This sunscreen is best suited for sensitive skin. It is a mineral based physical sunscreen. It will give light white residue after applying. it gives broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 50+. It is water and sweat resistant. it is hypoallergenic. It is oil free, non-comedogenic, fragrance free, dye free and PABA free. It costs 850 rupees for 80ml.

4. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate

Aveeno Protect and hydrate is suited to specially to dry and sensitive skin type. It is a moisturizer and sunscreen both. It provides broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 30 and also available in SPF 50 and 70. It is on expensive side but worth every penny and best to grab on discount. It costs around 1700-2000 rupees after discount. It is light-weight, oil free. it is water and sweat resistant.

5. Bello Photostable Sunscreen Emulgel

This sunscreen is best used for all skin type. it is very light based, gives broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 40+,and PA+++, and water and sweat resistance. it doesn’t give white residue after applying. It matches skin pH level, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. It costs 675 rupees for 75g which is pretty affordable and at same time gives best sun protection.

6. La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++

This Sunscreen is matte gel based suitable for all skin type including sensitive skin too. It provides broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 50 and PA++. It is hypoallergenic, and water resistant. it does not leave white cast when applied. It costs 630 rupees for 50gm, very pocket friendly.

Tinted Sunscreen:

1. YBP Sun Slave

YBP sun slave is a tinted sunscreen works for all skin. It has broad spectrum and has SPF of 25 and gives PA+++ protection. It is physical based sunscreen. It has jojoba and carrot extract. Is is sea safe, cruelty free, paraben free. glutan free, phthalate free, synthetic fragrance free. It has most natural ingredients and work best for all skin type, it is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic. It gives light white residue as it is mineral based. It costs 1500 for 40 ml, high end but worth investing in.

IN SPRAY FORM

1. Avene

This sunscreen is in spray form easy to use on face and body. It gives very high protection. it gives broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 50, non sticky and absorb in skin rapidly. It is water resistant, fragrance free, and does not leave white cast when applied. It is costs 2500 rupees for 200ml.

2. Nivea Protect and Refresh

This is more on affordable side. It provides broad spectrum protection, has SPF of 50 and water resistant. It is non greasy and gives you cooling effect when applied. Spray sunscreen should not be applied directly on face but take in your palm, rub it and then apply on face on dabbing motion. It costs 749 rupees for 200ml.

FOR CHILDREN :

1. Cetaphil Sun Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF 30+

This sunscreen is specially crafted for kid’s delicate skin. It gives broad spectrum protection and has glycerin, aloe vera and vitamin E. it has SPF of 30. free of paraben and fragrance and hypoallergenic. It costs 1650 rupees for 100 ml.

2. Aveeno

This sunscreen is zinc oxide sunscreen which is mineral type. it is very mild specially crafted for baby skin to use everyday. it gives broad spectrum protection, SPF of 50, water resistant and does not sting baby’s eyes. it can be used by child who is one year old or more. It is on high end side costs between 3000-3500 rupees.

All these sunscreen works best to protect you from UV rays, but consult dermatologist if you have any skin concerns. Invest in a good sunscreen is the key for good, healthy skin. Use sunscreen everyday and reapply every two hours will give your skin benefits in long run.