We all love a sun-kissed glow, don’t we? With the summer season comes the excitement to go on vacations, indulge in outdoor sports activities, enjoy beach days under clear blue skies, and more! However, amidst the joy of summertime adventures lies the increased risk of sun damage caused by the UV rays. The effects of UV rays can take a toll on our skin leading to long-term skin concerns like dark spots and premature ageing.

But fear not! You can bask in the warmth of the sun while keeping your skin healthy and radiant by adding sunblock to your skincare routine and following these sunblock rules:

- Select a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or higher

- Apply sunblock even under make-up

- Be generous in applying sunblock

- Opt for a water-resistant formula

- Select a sunblock according to your skin type

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of sunblock and how to get the most out of it to shield your skin from sun damage effectively. We will also guide you on when and how to apply sunblock.

Importance of Sunblock

Sunblock is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation emitted by the sun. By creating a barrier on the skin's surface, sunblock lotion helps prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and the risk of skin cancer. Regular use of sunblock lotion not only shields your skin from immediate damage but also supports long-term skin health and vitality. Remember, sunblock is your first line of defence against sun damage in your skincare routine and is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

How to Get the Most out of Your Sunblock for Effective Sun Protection

1. Select a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or higher

SPF measures a sunblock’s ability to block UVB rays, the type of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. When selecting a sunblock lotion ensure a minimum of SPF 30 for effective coverage against harmful UVB rays.

It is essential to note that SPF only indicates protection against UVB rays. For protection against both UVA and UVB rays ensure your sunblock lotion offers broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from both burning and ageing effects.

2. Apply sunblock even under make-up

Most cosmetic beauty products provide almost negligible sun protection. Therefore, it's essential to apply sunblock lotion before applying makeup. Neglecting sunblock can result in irreversible damage to your skin and hence it is important to shield your skin from the sun at all times. Make sure you apply your sunblock lotion even under make-up and don’t just rely on the bare minimum SPFs of your make-up products.

3. Be generous in applying sunblock

A common mistake many people make is not applying enough sunblock, which can leave their skin vulnerable to sun damage. So, how much sunblock should you be using? One of the most effective ways to ensure you're applying enough sunblock lotion is by following the two-finger rule. This rule suggests using enough sunblock lotion to cover the exposed areas of your skin thoroughly, equivalent to the amount that would fill the space of two adult fingers. By applying sunblock lotion generously and using the two-finger rule as a guideline, you can ensure adequate coverage and protection against harmful UV rays.

4. Opt for a water-resistant formula

During the summer months, the combination of sweat and heat can compromise the efficacy of your sunblock. Choosing a sunblock lotion formulated to withstand water and sweat ensures continued protection against harmful UV rays. Investing in water-resistant sunblock will enhance your coverage, shielding your skin more effectively from sun damage.

5. Select a sunblock according to your skin type

Selecting the appropriate sunblock tailored to your skin type is crucial. For oily skin type consider opting for a matte finish sunblock or a convenient spray formula. These options won't exacerbate greasiness but rather help balance oil production. Water-based sunblock lotion is also a great choice to evade any added oiliness. For individuals with dry skin, cream-based sunblock lotion would suit them better. Look for formulations enriched with moisturising components such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to nourish and hydrate the skin effectively. To know more about how to choose a sunblock for your skin type read our blog on how to choose a tinted sunscreen for your skin type.

When Should You Apply Sunblock?

Sunblock is not just a summertime staple; it's a year-round necessity. It should be applied both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather conditions. While it's commonly associated with outdoor activities and sunny days, UV radiation can still penetrate through windows, clouds, and even on overcast days. Therefore, it's important to incorporate sunblock into your daily skincare routine, regardless of whether you're indoors or outdoors. Apply sunblock lotion every morning as part of your skincare regimen, even if you don't anticipate spending extended time outdoors. This ensures that your skin is consistently protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation, helping to prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.

Tips On How to Apply Sunblock

1. Apply sunblock after moisturiser, before make-up

It's important to remember that sunblock should always be applied after moisturiser, but right before putting on your make-up. After cleansing, toning, and moisturising, apply your sunblock lotion liberally on your face and neck. This ensures that your skin receives maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

2. Apply sunblock before sun exposure

For optimal protection against UV rays, applying sunblock lotion at least 30 minutes before stepping outside is crucial. This allows the sunblock to be absorbed into the skin effectively, reducing the risk of it being wiped away by sweat.

3. Reapplication Is Key

To maintain effective protection, reapply sunblock regularly, especially if you'll be exposed to the sun for an extended period. Aim to reapply sunblock every 2 hours or less depending on how much time you spend outdoors or the kind of activities you have planned for the day.

When it comes to reapplication, opt for SPF loose powder to maintain protection without compromising your makeup. These convenient powder formats make it easy to apply sunblock on the go, even without a mirror. It ensures hassle-free reapplication outdoors and won't disturb your makeup base, making them an ideal choice for seamless sun protection throughout the day. Sandiva’s SPF Top-Up Loose Powder is a lightweight powder that offers instant high protection from the sun. Its tinted mattifying formula gives your skin an airbrushed smooth finish. Packed with the goodness of sandalwood, this one-of-a-kind powder protects your skin from irritants and soothes any skin inflammation. 

With the right sunblock in your skincare routine, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about its damaging effects on your skin. Remember to choose a broad-spectrum sunblock with an appropriate SPF, and don't forget to reapply regularly, especially if you're spending time outdoors. By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to radiant summer skin that's protected from harmful UV rays.

Sandiva’s One & Done Tinted Sunblock is a broad spectrum SPF 35, PA++++ physical sunblock that uses Zinc Oxide to form a physical shield on top of your skin and provide heavy-duty protection from UVA and UVB sun damage. This lightweight sunblock lotion has a beautiful mousse-like texture and is packed with the goodness of pure sandalwood to calm skin inflammation caused by sun exposure. It comes in 4 different tints and blends in perfectly with most Indian skin tones, leaving no white cast.