Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : October 18, 2017 11:14 AM IST
Natural sunscreen may sound like a mind-blowing idea with fewer irritating chemical ingredients on your skin. But when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, these mineral products contain only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which is not that effective. So they cannot really protect your skin from the sun like how they claim it on the label, says Dermatologist Dr Chaitali Dixit, the founder of Contura clinic, Bangalore.
The mineral sunscreens just sit on the top of your skin rather than penetrating into your skin like their chemical counterparts. This means that the natural sunscreen can rub off easily and the UV light can do the damage deep into your dermis. You also do not want to risk your skin of skin cancer so just avoid using the natural sunscreen. Here's how to choose the best sunscreen.
However, if you are already using a chemical sunscreen, here s how you can know that it has gone bad.
The texture is no longer smooth: If you notice bumps and lumps in your creamy sunscreen, it could be an indication that the active ingredients are starting to break down and getting less efficient. Ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide which are the two most important ingredients in a sunscreen can clump together over time.
Check the expiry date: Sunscreens have a shelf life of three years, but if you have been using one too judiciously for years it is the time that you throw it away and get a new bottle for yourself. To remember when to toss your sunscreen, write the purchase date on the lid of the sunscreen with a permanent marker.
Even if you are applying the chemical sunscreen make sure that you re-apply it after every two hours especially like the overlooked areas like your lips, neck and the back of your legs. And if you are hitting the beach, do not just rely on a sunscreen, wear a big hat and do not skip those sunglasses. Be especially wary between 10 a.m to 4 p.m when the sun s rays are the most scorching. Here's why you get a sun tan despite using a sunscreen everyday.
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