A Complete Sunscreen Guide for you and your Family

When it comes to sunscreen, most of us lather it on during the summer months and tend to ignore applying any the rest of the year. But, applying sunscreen is an ESSENTIAL skincare practice that must be followed all year though to make sure your family stays safe & protected. Why, you ask?

It’s simple. No matter what the weather, the sun shines all through the year, emitting harmful radiation, most of which makes it way to the earth and can damage our sensitive skin over time. Here’s how. There are two types of sun’s rays that make it to the earth’s surface – UVA and UVB rays. UVA or Ultraviolet-A rays make up 95% of the radiation that hits us. UVA rays are not responsible for tanning, but instead penetrate deep into the skin to cause long-term skin damage and premature ageing. These types of rays can also pass through glass windows and heavy clouds. UVB or Ultraviolet-B rays, on the other hand, make up 5% of the ray’s that reach us. These rays directly affect the topmost layer of skin and are responsible for sunburn and tanning.

Now that we know HOW the sun’s rays damage our skin, let’s look at 4 reasons WHY it’s absolutely essential to apply sunscreen all through the year:

1. Your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays all through the year and even when it’s cloudy or overcast
While the sun’s rays may be stronger during certain parts of the year, it doesn’t mean that we only need protection when it’s hot and sunny outside. In fact, even when it’s cloudy and overcast, up to 80% of UV radiation still reaches the earth and can damage our skin. This is why it’s imperative to apply sunscreen all through the year.

2. The sun’s rays can also penetrate through glass
Ever wonder why experts say that you should apply sunscreen even when you’re indoors? It’s because UVA rays can actually penetrate through glass. Which means that they can reach your skin even when you’re indoors, if you’re sitting next to a window, or travelling in a closed vehicle.

3. You might not always see sun damage right away, but it can have harmful long-term effects on your skin
While tanning and sunburn are evident signs of sun damage, most sun damage takes place over time, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots. Long-term unprotected sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer. To make sure to protect your skin from these long-term effects, it’s vital to make sunscreen a daily habit.

4. By wearing sunscreen daily, you’re setting the perfect example and teaching your little ones how to care for their skin too
When your little ones see you following good skincare habits such as applying SPF daily, chances are higher that they too will follow your example. Sun protection shouldn’t just be an option, it should be part of your lifestyle.

So, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into what types of sunscreens work best for you and your family! Here’s a list of everything you need to look for when shopping for a sunscreen for your family.

> Broad spectrum sun protection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen is one that protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays and is one of the first things you should look for when buying sunscreen.
> Safe, gentle & hypoallergenic formula: Look for hypoallergenic sunscreens with safe active ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin. Sunscreens and sunblocks with mineral actives such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the perfect choice, because these minerals sit on the surface of the skin and create a barrier between the skin and sun’s rays, to prevent sun damage. These sunscreens also typically include inactive natural ingredients that help soothe and moisturize the skin. Stay away from sunscreens with harsh chemicals and parabens.
> SPF level between 15 and 50: The SPF (Sun protection factor) level is an indication of the amount of time it would take for your skin to redden without any kind of sun protection. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a higher SPF offers more effective sun protection. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 filters around 98% UVB rays, and SPF 100 blocks around 99%. For babies, experts recommend that the SPF should be no more than 50. Make sure you reapply it every 90 minutes to ensure proper sun protection.

Based on all these factors, we’ve formulated a range of special sun care products that are perfect for you and your family, including your precious babies.

Here are some of our favourite sun essentials that you can incorporate in your daily skincare routine, based on your family’s needs.

SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion is our year-round daily essential for baby, mom and the whole family!
• Safe & effective water-resistant SPF 30 sunblock with broad-spectrum UVA, UVB protection
• Enriched with powerful Zinc Oxide that acts as a protective barrier between skin and sun’s rays, along with Vitamin E, avocado & carrot extracts to protect and moisturize skin
• Lightweight, water-resistant, oil-free, dry touch formula that doesn’t clog pores and spreads easily all over skin to give you maximum coverage
• Hypoallergenic and safely formulated for baby’s sensitive skin

SPF 50 Water-resistant Sunscreen Spray is an easy-to-use spray that’s perfect for when you’re outdoors or travelling

• With titanium dioxide that acts as a protective barrier against sun damage, along with avocado, carrot extracts & Vitamin E to hydrate skin
• SPF 50 with broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing & easy-to-carry lotion that can be sprayed all over the face & body
• Allergy-free formula that makes it safe for use on kids as well as the whole family

SPF 50 Sweat-Resistant Sundrops is our 2-in-1 face & neck serum for adults that protects skin from sun damage and deeply moisturizes

• Light enough to be worn daily under your make up to protect skin and lend a soft glow
• SPF 50 with broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection
• Formulated to protect your sensitive facial skin from daily damage caused by sun exposure
• Infused with mineral actives & natural extracts of avocado, carrot & vitamin E
• Helps prevent skin darkening, redness, hyperpigmentation and & early signs of ageing

All our Softsens sun essentials are safe & hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, free of parabens, phthalates & harmful chemicals, PETA-certified cruelty-free & 100% vegan.

So, go ahead and make sun care a daily habit for both you and your loved ones! Got any questions regarding any of our SPF products? Leave us a comment below.