Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are one of the causes of all skin problems. Specifically, skin pigmentation, freckles, skin discoloration and skin aging. Therefore, applying sunscreen before going out is the most effective way to protect your skin. Using sunscreen when going out is obvious. So if you are at home, should you use sunscreen? In this article, let's answer this question with Dermalogica!
How does sunscreen protect the skin?
Before going into finding out the answer to the question: Should I use sunscreen at home or not? Let's find out what you need to know about sunscreen!
Sunscreen is considered by dermatologists to be the most effective method. They help protect the skin against the harmful effects of sunlight. So how does sunscreen protect the skin?
Types of sunscreen and how they work
Currently, on the market sunscreen products are classified into 3 types as follows:
- Physical sunscreen: Also known as inorganic sunscreen. Physical sunscreen's main sunscreen ingredients are inorganic substances including: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Physical sunscreen protects the skin thanks to the principle of creating a protective film on the skin. This membrane acts as a barrier to help reflect UVA and UVB rays. Thanks to that, the ultraviolet rays in sunlight cannot penetrate and harm the skin.
- Chemical sunscreen: The main ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens include: Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Sulisobenzone... When used on the skin, chemical sunscreens create a chemical film. Different from the reflective layer of physical sunscreen. This chemical layer will protect the skin by absorbing and decomposing ultraviolet rays. Thanks to that, ultraviolet rays cannot penetrate the skin surface.
- Hybrid sunscreen: This is a type of sunscreen that combines chemical and physical sunscreen active ingredients. Thanks to that, hybrid sunscreen will overcome the disadvantages of physical and chemical sunscreens. However, current research on the effectiveness of hybrid sunscreens is still controversial.
Is physical or chemical sunscreen better?
It is very difficult to answer the question: is physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen better? Each form of sunscreen has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, it depends on your skin condition and need to use sunscreen. You can choose the appropriate sunscreen.
For example:
- For sensitive, easily irritated skin, physical sunscreen will be safer and gentler. However, physical sunscreen will be "heavier" on the face and easily leave white streaks.
- With oily skin, chemical sunscreen will have an advantage due to its light texture and easily absorbed into the skin. However, chemical sunscreens sting the eyes and create a hot feeling when used on the skin.
3 common questions about sunscreen
Below are some common questions women have when using sunscreen. Let's answer with Dermalogica experts!
Question 1: Can sunscreen protect the skin absolutely?
The answer is No. Sunscreen is the most effective but not absolute protection method. When exposed to harsh direct sunlight, you need to combine other skin protection methods such as shirts, hats, gloves... for sun protection.
Question 2: Can one sunscreen be used for both face and body?
Body skin and facial skin have different structures. Compared to facial skin, body skin is much healthier. Therefore, you can use sunscreen products for your face on your body. But on the contrary, sunscreen products for the body cannot be used for the face. Because they can completely cause irritation to facial skin.
Question 3: Should I use sunscreen at home?
If you are at home, you can only avoid using sunscreen if the doors are completely dark with wood and thick curtains. Sunlight can penetrate through glass doors, curtains, reflect off tile floors and affect your skin. This causes your skin to darken significantly.
Therefore, when at home you should still use sunscreen. And you should choose sunscreen with a moderate SPF index of about 30 - 35.
Suggested Top 2 sunscreens to use at home from Dermalogica
If you are having difficulty choosing a sunscreen product to use at home. Below are some suggestions for you:
Oil Free Matte SPF30 oil-controlling, acne-reducing sunscreen
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte is a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. The product is specifically designed for oily, acne-prone skin. With an ultra-light texture that easily penetrates the skin with a sunscreen complex, Advanced skin care includes: Zinc Gluconate, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Biotin, Yeast extract.
Thanks to that, Oil Free Matte SPF30 helps control oil effectively, soothes acne inflammation and does not cause stickiness. Oil Free Matte SPF30 will be the "ideal" product for oily, acne-prone skin.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense blue light sunscreen
Invisible Physical Defense is a sunscreen product that won Allure's 2020 Best of Beauty award. The biggest advantage of Invisible Physical Defense is protecting the skin from blue light from phone and computer screens. This is something that not many sunscreen products can do.
The main sunscreen ingredient in the product is Zinc Oxide. In addition, Invisible Physical Defense is supplemented with mushroom complex, green tea extract and Glycerin. These are ingredients that help reduce skin irritation, protect the skin from free radicals and moisturize the skin.
Should I use sunscreen at home? Surely the answer is SHOULD. Ultraviolet rays contained in natural light are one of the causes of melasma, freckles and skin aging. Therefore, protecting your skin from sunlight even when just at home is something you should care about. Hope you can quickly choose the most suitable sunscreen product!