Until now we’ve seen the benefits of Ayurveda, great Quick Home Remedies and some Holy Grail Skincare Products . The much anticipated and mystery product aka. SPF is yet to be discussed. You’ve got to be pretty much spot on with this baby or else you will be left with a film of skincare products sitting right on top of your skin, doing nothing but blocking pores. Eww..!! So, shall we begin then? On this semi-final leg of skincare in the S5 series.

SPF meaning Sun Protection Factor is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet (UV) B rays. The chief cause of reddening and sunburn, UVB rays tend to damage the epidermis, skin’s outer layers, where the most common (and least dangerous) forms of skin cancer occur.

Scary? I know. Such a small term which we practically see/use in our everyday lives, but never realized the importance either until it was too late or simply never cared to begin with.

Not to worry, it’s never too late to take care of yourself. So, start now.

(I know some readers will beg to differ, thinking that what about our elders and ancestors who’ve stayed perfectly fine without the need of all these products? Let me just say one thing, the air/quality of living/stress levels etc were much different then and are much different now. We need to be more careful.)

Note: SPF should be applied everyday 15-20mins prior to stepping out of your home, after CTN as a part of your skincare regimen.

Myth to BUST: Putting layers of SPF increases the strength of the SPF. SPF should always be in a higher strength of 50+.

TRUTH: No matter how many layers of SPF you put, it stays of the same strength. 30 SPF protects you as much as any 50+ SPF.

SPF in summer especially, needs to be light in consistency and should let the skin breath. SPF does two things, namely, sun protection and moisturization of the skin. It should be applied on parts of the body which are exposed to sunlight eg. face, hands and legs. SPF for face and body are of two different types. SPF should be applied by everyone from kids to elders. It gives your skin the time to retain elasticity and goodness against ageing and pollution. Can be applied multiple times, based on the sun exposure… ideally every two hours or so.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++

This sunscreen aka essence is fabulous. Multipurpose product which not only protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also fills your skin with anti-oxidants! Your skin will glow once you put this on. Liquid consistency, super light feel, with no flash back and no worries of looking like a white ghost on a cricket field. Perfect for Indian weather and heat. Pores remain unblocked with no irritation.

P.S. This SPF is suitable for sensitive skin too. Non-comedogenic.

TheनारीFactor Rating: 5/5

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Protect Lotion SPF 30 PA+++

Another gem from TBS. Their entire range of Vitamin C is fabulous, worth the try I say. This SPF is amazing because not only does it provide your basic coverage but also gives you’re the goodness of Vitamin C which is known to uplift dull, tired, grumpy skin. Vitamin C is also known for its skin lightening properties, full of anti-oxidants and a great source of collagen creation. In short, one of the biggest secrets of fabulous skincare. Does not leave the skin irritated, no flash back or white cast. Thicker in consistency, hence best for not-super-hot/humid moments. But perfectly good, for an everyday regular wear.

TheनारीFactor Rating: 4.5/5

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF50+

Superb sunscreen for people who don’t enjoy applying heavy creams in summer. Light and perfect. Does not have any particular smell. Highly recommended by my dermatologist. No allergic reaction, no skin irritation, no flash back or white cast. Simple and semi-matte finish even though they claim to be anti-shine.

P.S. This SPF is suitable for sensitive skin too.

 TheनारीFactor Rating: 5/5

This is where the skincare regimen for men/boys can end. It’s a simple 4 step daily routine consisting of:

  • Cleanse
  • Tone
  • Moisturize
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm/Chapstick (Optional)

Women/girls can continue with their makeup application  here on-wards as a part of their daily regimen.

TIP: Try to gravitate towards compact powder/foundation/setting powder that have SPF in it, as applying liquid SPF over makeup tends to be extremely difficult. This would be a great alternative to take care of your skin from sun damage.

**In case if there is a sunburn, apply Aloe Vera gel after washing your face clean. Its soothing and healing properties always work wonders.

TIP: Spritz Rose Water on your face to get that dose of freshness, whenever you feel exhausted in the day.

SPF is a broad-spectrum subject. However, for an everyday person this is enough information to know. On a later day perhaps, we can get into further details.

*Images used for representative purpose, contact for credits.*