New to sunscreens? You have landed on the right page. Think of this blog as a crash course in everything sunscreen – from understanding SPF terminologies to picking the best sunscreen for your vanity. Without further ado, let's get started.

What Is A Sunscreen

A sunscreen shields your skin from sun damage by warding off UVA and UVB rays. There are two different categories of sun protectants available in the market. Scroll ahead to learn the differences between physical or chemical sunscreen.

1. Physical or Mineral Sunscreen: A physical sunscreen is infused with zinc oxide or titanium and forms a protective barrier on the dermis. This shield (so to say) reflects harmful UVA and UVB radiation like a mirror – preventing sun damage.

2. Chemical Sunscreen: Infused with ingredients like Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl, Hexyl Benzoate and more, this sunscreen soaks up harmful radiation like a sponge – releasing it in the form of heat. It thus protects your skin from burns, pigmentation, and photoaging.

Why Do I Need To Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

A generous slather of sunscreen helps avert skin damage. Ahead, we list all the benefits of wearing sunscreen every day.

1. Prevents Sunburns: Wearing sunscreen helps block UVB rays that burn your skin.

2. Keeps your skin youthful: Excess sun exposure fastens your skin’s ageing process by depleting collagen. For those unaware, collagen is a type of protein responsible for your skin’s structure and integrity. This is why we recommend wearing sunscreen every day to keep fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet at bay.

3. No more dark spots and patches: Being under the sun increases the risk of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Continued exposure to UV rays increases melanin synthesis in your skin cells, leading to localized discoloration. Keep these concerns at bay with sunscreen every day.

Related Article: Detailed guide on why do I need to use sunscreen daily

Understanding Different Sunscreen Labels

Sunscreen labels can feel confusing at first, but it can be easy to choose the right product once you know what each term means. Here are the most important labels you will see on sunscreen, along with their description.

What Is SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. These rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and also play a role in skin cancer.

The following is a comparison of each face SPF.

1. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
2. SPF 50 blocks around 98% of UVB rays.
3. SPF 70 blocks close to 99% of UVB rays.

Higher SPF offers slightly better protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. There are other factors that are more important than the SPF in sunscreen.

- Applying enough sunscreen.
- Reapply every 2 hours if you spend too much time outdoors.

A high SPF is of no use if you under-apply or do not reapply it.

What Is PA in Sunscreen?

SPF focuses on sunburn, but the PA rating measures protection against UVA rays. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for many skin problems.

- Premature ageing.
- Wrinkles and fine lines.
- Pigmentation and sunspots.
- Long-term skin damage.

PA meaning in sunscreen is ratings that are mentioned using plus signs on the label.

- PA++ means moderate UVA protection.
- PA+++ provides good protection for regular outdoor exposure.
- PA++++ means very high protection and is the best for preventing photoaging.

Choosing a high PA rating sunscreen is just as important as SPF if you want even-toned and youthful-looking skin.

What Is Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This is crucial due to the following reasons.

- UVB rays cause sunburn.
- UVA rays cause ageing and long-term damage.

Your skin may still age or show signs of pigmentation even if you do not burn without broad-spectrum protection. Always check the label for Broad Spectrum for complete sun protection.

What Is Water-Resistant Sunscreen?

A sunscreen labelled as water-resistant means it can maintain its protection while you sweat or swim. But only for a limited time, as no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweatproof.

You will see one of these claims.

- 40 minutes: Protection lasts up to 40 minutes in water or sweat.
- 80 or 90 minutes: Protection lasts longer during swimming or heavy sweating.

Important tip: Water resistance does not mean it will not get off when you wipe with a towel. Always reapply immediately after towel-drying, as wiping your skin removes the sunscreen layer.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Sunscreens are broadly categorised based on how they protect your skin from UV rays. Understanding the difference helps you choose a formula that suits your skin type, lifestyle, and comfort.

Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen

These sunscreens act like a protective shield on your skin.

Key ingredients 
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

How do they work?
These minerals sit on the surface of the skin and reflect or scatter UV rays away before they can penetrate.

Best for
Sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, or skin that reacts easily to active ingredients.

Why do people choose it?
It gives you instant protection and feels less irritating to the skin.

Downside
Some formulas can leave a white cast, which is more prominent in darker skin tones. The sunscreen also has a thicker consistency.

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens work more like a UV-absorbing filter.

Key ingredients 
Avobenzone, Octisalate, and Oxybenzone.

How do they work?
The ingredients are absorbed into the skin, where they absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, and release them.

Best for 
Daily use if you prefer a lightweight, non-greasy, invisible finish or need water resistance.

Why do people choose it?
Blends easily, feels weightless, and works well under makeup or on bare skin.

Downside
It needs 15–20 minutes after application to become fully active.

Both types of sunscreen give you enough protection. But the choice depends on what type of sunscreen suits your skin, and how you plan to wear it daily.

Related Article: Difference between SPF vs PA

Best Sunscreen from Foxtale

Well-versed in SPF jargon? It’s time to pick a sunscreen for your vanity. Ensure that you have an infallible knowledge of your skin type before making this choice.

1. Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen

Skin Types: Oily & Combination Skin

The featherlight formula ensures protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing burns and tans. It absorbs into the skin easily, bestowing it with a delectable matte finish. The best part? Niacinamide at the heart of this formulation regulates sebum production, prevents clogged pores and brightens the skin. The perfect sunscreen for oily and combination skin, grab a tube of Matte Sunscreen only for INR 595.

2. Dewy Sunscreen

Skin Types: Normal To Dry, Extremely Dry

Rejuvenate dry skin with Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen! Its innovative formula contains three health-boosting Vitamins that uphold barrier health. With a rating of SPF 70 PA++++, the sunscreen doesn’t budge on sun protection all day. We love the brightening effect that Niacinamide in the formulation grants to the skin.

3. Glow Sunscreen 

Skin Types: Oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, normal & combination skin 

A sun protectant that enhances your radiance – Foxtale’s Glow Sunscreen is a consumer favourite. It keeps tan and sun damage at bay while boosting your skin’s brightness manifold – thanks to Niacinamide and Vitamin C in the formula.

4. Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

Skin Types: Oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, normal & combination skin

For those who prefer a little coverage with their sun protection, Foxtale’s Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 is a perfect option. It not only shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays but also helps even out your complexion naturally. Lightweight and blendable, it doubles as a primer under makeup or a quick “no-makeup” solution, making it ideal for daily wear while keeping your skin safe and radiant.

How To Use Sunscreen For Best Results

How you wear sunscreen plays an important role in its efficacy. For all our skincare beginners, here are some tips and tricks to follow for the best results.

1. Apply Your Sunscreen 15 Minutes Before Stepping Outdoors: According to experts, sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to absorb into the skin.

2. Apply Two Fingers’ Worth Of Formula: Don’t be stingy with sunscreen. Studies show that two fingers’ worth of sunscreen is enough for a single wear. Alternatively, a shot glass (30 ml) of sunscreen adequately covers your neck and face.

3. Reapply Without Fail: If you have been outdoors for a while, reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Conclusion

To pick the best sunscreen, you must know these terms like the back of your hand. 

SPF or Sun Protection Factor determines the degree of safety against UVB rays. Alternatively, PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA

If you have combination skin, chances are that your T-zone, forehead and chin become slick – right after cleaning. Whereas the rest of your face stays comparatively dry throughout the day. To combat this unique concern, you need gentle formulations for the skin that simultaneously hydrate and control oil. Well, this is where we come into the picture.

To help achieve your short and long-term skin goals, we bring you the best products for combination skin – a cheat sheet (if you will). Adding these best sellers to your morning and evening routine is bound to transform your skin, a complete 360-degree. But before we get to this list, let’s get our basics straight. What exactly is the combination skin type and how can one identify it?

What Is Combination Skin? 

Combination skin has the characteristics of oily and dry skin. Here is how you can identify combination skin.

1. Shine on the T-zone, chin and forehead throughout the day

2. Enlarged pores on the oily parts

3. Clogged pores that may turn into blackheads or acne bumps

4. Dry, flaky cheeks that get more pronounced during winters or monsoons.

I Have Combination Skin. What Ingredients Should I Look For In My Skincare? 

The best, most efficient way to care for the combination skin type? Be very mindful of the active ingredients you add to your rotation. With the right choices, striking a balance between ample hydration and oil control becomes a cake walk. 

On that note, here are some ingredients that work well for this skin type.

1. Salicylic Acid: The oil-soluble active dissolves excess sebum and grime for a balanced microbiome. Salicylic Acid is supremely gentle on the skin and doesn’t dry out the skin. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that offset redness, rashes and irritation to the skin.

2. Hyaluronic Acid: To uphold the dry parts of the combination skin, hydration is essential. And, what better than humectant Hyaluronic Acid to do this job? HA binds water molecules to the skin, combating dry, flaky skin. Moreover, HA also has a soothing effect and works wonders on underlying sensitivities.

3. Niacinamide: If there is a skincare ingredient that does it all, it’s Niacinamide. This workhorse is a Godsend for folks with combination skin. It has the unique ability to soak up excess sebum, prevent clogged pores and prevent moisture loss through the lipid barrier. Talk about a win-win-win.

An AM/PM Regime For The Combination Skin Type

Getting the skin of your dreams requires persistent efforts over time. On that note, here’s a foolproof skincare for folks with combination skin. Keep reading

1. Scrub-a-dub with Acne Control Face Wash: Your skin is exposed to pollutants, aggressors, and dirt daily. This leads to an unwarranted build-up on the dermis, especially the oily parts. Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash dissolves this build-up and excess grease to reveal a smooth, bright surface.

Why Should You Pick Our Acne Control Face Wash 

> It is extremely gentle on the skin

> Carries Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid for your skin’s nourishment and multi-level hydration

> Doesn’t contain barrier harming sulfates 

2. Keep The Oil At Bay: To fight the stubborn shine on your nose, forehead and more, try our innovative Niacinamide Serum. The lightweight formula regulates sebum production and prevents clogged pores while bestowing a gorgeous matte finish to your skin. It is also a great fit to revive dry patches on your skin – due to Niacinamide's moisture retention capacity. You may layer it with a Vit C or retinol based serum, according to your skin’s secondary concerns.

Why Should You Pick Our Niacinamide Serum

> Brightens skin

> Ensures oil-free radiance

> Upholds skin barrier

3. Moisturize And Seal: Next, use a layer of moisturizer to seal water molecules and actives into your skin. Since combination skin is prone to clogged pores, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer to your vanity. The lightweight formula carries Hyaluronic Acid, Red, and Blue Green Algae Extracts that deeply hydrate the skin without plugging pores. Additionally, Niacinamide in this formula helps double down on efforts for a balanced microbiome.

Why Should You Pick Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer 

> Calms Acne 

> Soothes Inflamed Skin

>Strengthens The Lipid Barrier 

4. SPF-SPF-SPF: Last but not the least, apply two fingers’ worth of sunscreen before stepping out. Your skin is susceptible to UVA and UVB rays, regardless of its type.

Our Glow Sunscreen not only ensures formidable sun protection but also enhances your skin’s latent radiance.

Why Should You Pick Our Glow Sunscreen 

> Carries brightening wonders Niacinamide and Vitamin C 

>Prevents tan and sun damage

Acne-prone skin looks different for different people. For some folks, it can be stubborn blackheads on the nose. For others, a pimple or two that appears out of thin air. To steer clear of these potential concerns and everything in between, an infallible morning and nighttime skincare is non-negotiable.

If you have acne-prone skin and often find it tricky to maintain it, we have a solution in store. We are bringing you the best skincare for acne-prone skin available on Foxtale. But before getting to this cheatsheet, let’s better understand acne-prone skin and its many challenges.

What Is Acne-Prone Skin?

True to its name, this skin type is more susceptible to acne or acne vulgaris. While it is impossible to list all possible reasons or triggers for acne-prone skin, here are some common ones.

1. Diet

2. Hormonal Imbalances

3. Genetics

4. Stress

5. Lifestyle Choices Like Smoking

6. Clogged Pores

7. Ageing

8. Skincare Or Cosmetics That Irritate The Skin

What Does Acne-Prone Skin Look Like?

As touched upon briefly, acne-prone skin may look different for different people.

1. Oily Skin: Oily skin is characterized by overzealous sebaceous glands that lead to excessive greasiness. This never-ending slick on the skin is more prone to attracting dirt, pollutants, and impurities – leading to clogged pores. When further aggravated, these plugs can turn into whiteheads, blackheads or acne bumps.

2. Blackheads And Whiteheads: Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest forms of acne vulgaris. They occur when excess sebum, debris and keratin clog the pores on your skin, leading to the formation of tiny bumps.

3. Acne: There are different types of acne, ranging from pustules to cystic acne. Acne occurs when skin-harming bacteria thrive in clogged pores, leading to bumps, inflammation and redness.

 Some Tips And Tricks To Maintain Your Acne-Prone Skin 

Before we get to a full-fledged routine, here are some tips to maintain your acne-prone skin.

1. Cleansing X2: Cleansing dislodges excess sebum, impurities and pollutants from the pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome. Folks with acne-prone skin should swear by cleansing twice a day. Additionally, you can go for a gentle cleanse after labour-intensive activities like gyming.

2. Using Non-Comedogenic Products: While shopping for moisturizers and sunscreens, opt for products that don’t clog the pores.

3. Gentle, Hydrating Formulas: Steer clear of harsh formulas that may remove natural oils from your skin. Instead, we recommend skincare infused with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine or more that hydrate the dermis and offset inflammation.

4. Never Pop That Pimple: Although it may seem appealing, popping a pimple can aggravate your acne. Applying pressure on the eruption can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more redness or inflammation.

5. Change Your Bedding and Pillow Cases Regularly: Your phone case, bedding, pillow covers and more can hold dirt and debris – leading to clogged pores. To prevent blackheads, whiteheads or acne, change your bedding regularly.

 The Best Routine For Acne Prone Skin 

If you grapple with acne-prone skin, scroll ahead for the best morning/nighttime routine. This 4-step effective regime ensures a balanced skin microbiome, preventing inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

1. Cleanse With Acne Control Face Wash

 Use Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash to expel dirt, excess sebum and impurities from the pores. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation prevents clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and acne with every wash. This oil-soluble active also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate inflammation and redness. The best part? Foxtale’s acne face wash is not over-drying, not even in the slightest. It also contains Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that help uphold overall skin health. 

More Reasons To Love Our Acne Control Face Wash

• It is free of barrier-harming sulfates
• It doesn’t strip your skin
• Ensures deep skin hydration

2. Treat Skin Woes With Niacinamide Serum

Formulated with 12% Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, this serum works on 7 skincare problems that make oily skin appear brighter and clearer. It controls oil, fades blemishes and acne marks, minimizes pores, evens skin tone, brightens and hydrates skin.

More Reasons To Love Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum

• Non-tingling, non-drying formula
• Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid promote overall skin health

3. Seal Hydration With Foxtale’s Oil-Free Moisturizer

Moisturization is key for healthy & happy skin. And for folks with acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s exemplary Oil-Free Moisturizer. This featherlight formula reduces acne and calms inflammation while maintaining a balanced microbiome. The formulation also carries hero humectants Hyaluronic Acid, Red and Blue-Green Algae Extracts that serve as a tall drink of water for the skin – ensuring its soft and supple appearance. 

More Reasons To Love Our Oil-Free Moisturizer

•  Prevents formation of acne spots
• Doesn’t clog pores
• Upholds the skin barrier

4. Sun Protection With Matte Finish Sunscreen

Skipping sunscreen on account of your acne-prone skin? Foxtale’s Matte Sunscreen to the rescue. The breathable formula contains Niacinamide that curbs sebum production and prevents clogged pores while ensuring formidable sun protection. Formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types, our Matte Finish Sunscreen keeps episodes of photoaging, burns and tan at bay. 

Other Reasons To Love Our Matte Finish Sunscreen

• It contains 3 types of Vitamins to promote skin health
• SPF70 PA++++ that shields the skin against most UVA and UVB rays 

Why Actives Matters When Treating Acne?

When treating acne, you are essentially managing the Skin Microbiome. Using a combination of BHAs (Salicylic Acid) and barrier-repair ingredients (Ceramides/Hyaluronic Acid) ensures that the "bad" bacteria are kept in check while the "good" bacteria—your skin's natural defense—stay healthy and resilient.

Related Articles: 

1. Skincare Guide to Achieving Acne-Free Skin
2. How To Improve Acne-Prone Skin
3. How To Treat Acne Without Drying Your Skin

Conclusion 

Struggling to care for your acne-prone skin? Try this Foxtale-approved skincare regime twice a day for a balanced microbiome. A simple yet effective cleanse-treat-moisturize-sun protect, will keep excess oil, unwarranted build-up, whiteheads/blackheads, and acne at bay.

Sensitive skin demands extra care and caution in a day-to-day routine. The skin type often experiences severe discomfort & strain – appearing in the form of inflammation, redness, rashes and more on the outside. If you grapple with underlying sensitivities, you’re no stranger to the toll it can take on your mental well-being too – above everything else. 

 This blog explores the challenges of this skin type and braces you with the best sensitive skin products to combat them. We kick start by picking the right face cleanser to help soothe episodes of inflammation and irritation while deeply hydrating the skin. 

 Since sensitive skin is prone to constant flare-ups, recognizing the triggers is of paramount importance. While it is impossible to list all possible reasons for skin sensitivity –we take a look at the most common ones. So, keep scrolling through. 

What Is Sensitive Skin?

The simple answer is that sensitive skin is overly reactive to external stimuli (more on that later), leading to unusual inflammation, redness, irritation, bumps. Here are some other symptoms of this skin type. 

1. Stinging skin 

2. Hives, inflammation or redness

3. Dry patches on the skin

4. Coarse texture 

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

 There is a gamut of reasons for underlying skin sensitivities. We list the most common ones right here. 

1. Genetics: Some folks are genetically predisposed to underlying sensitivities. This may lead to baffling episodes of flare-ups, redness and inflammation of the skin. 

2. Triggering Allergens: Certain soaps, skin care products or detergents can affect your skin, leading to sensitivities. This usually occurs due to harmful preservatives and fragrances in these brews. 

3. Weather Or Fluctuating Temperatures: The sudden dip or rise in mercury can also cause skin sensitivities. For example, extreme humidity can dry your skin out, leading to cracks, creases and flakiness. 

4. A Weakened Barrier: In several cases, skin sensitivity is accompanied by an impaired skin barrier. For those unaware, the skin barrier or acid mantle serves as the first wall of defence for your body – warding off pollutants, aggressors and impurities. So, one can only imagine the threat to your skin if the integrity of this shield is compromised. 

Why Do I Need A Gentle Face Wash For Sensitive Skin?

 We have learnt that sensitive skin is more prone to infection, inflammation and irritation. To keep these concerns at bay, investing in the perfect skincare is a must. Let’s begin with a gentle face wash and its benefits for the sensitive skin type. 

1. Guarantees A Gentle Wash: A potent yet gentle face wash dislodges dirt, grime and pollutants from the pores, without making the skin uncomfortably dry. It is not abrasive and doesn’t upset your skin’s natural pH. 

2. Offsets Inflammation And Redness: A gentle face wash boasting soothing ingredients (like Hyaluronic Acid and Betaine) offset inflammation and redness caused to the skin. 

3. Helps Hydration: Hydration is indispensable for your skin’s health. A gentle face wash carrying humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine and more bind water molecules to the skin. This step helps accelerate help, improves skin texture and promotes a healthy skin barrier. 

4. Bolsters Skin Barrier: We know that an impaired lipid barrier can lead to skin sensitives. A gentle face wash infused with ingredients like Ceramides, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid helps strengthen the barrier to reduce such episodes. 

Gentle Cleansers vs. Harsh Soap

The Best Face Wash For Sensitive Skin 

Your search for the best sensitive skin cleanser ends here! Introducing Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash for your vanity. The unique formulation checks all of the boxes and some more. 

Reasons Why You Should Cop The Hydrating Face Wash For Sensitive Skin 

1. It carries gentle surfactants that melt the most stubborn traces of dirt and impurities without meddling with your skin’s pH.  

2. Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae extract work as a tall drink of water for the skin. The duo of ingredients ensures deep, long-lasting hydration while combating redness or inflammation. 

3. Vitamin B5 in the formula reduces acne and blemishes, bestowing a natural glow to your skin. 

4. If you are a regular makeup wearer, this product should be on your radar. It leverages Hydramelt technology to remove deep-seated makeup and SPF residue. No vigorous scrubbing is required. 

Best Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

The best way to care for sensitive skin? Invest in a 4-step skincare routine twice a day. Since sensitive skin can flare-up at the slightest provocation, we recommend avoiding multistep beauty fads. 

1. Gentle Cleansing: Use Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash to dislodge impurities from the skin without wreaking havoc on its microbiome. Use a light hand to prevent any strain on the dermis, massaging it using upward, circular motions. 

2. Treatment: Depending on your secondary concern, dab 2 to 3 pumps of a Foxtale serum into your skin. For folks with sensitive skin, we recommend starting slow! First and foremost, conduct a patch test on your neck. Only if this formulation agrees with your skin, add it to your skincare regimen thrice a week. 

3. Moisturize: Regular moisturization creates a physical barrier on the skin, preventing the loss of its moisture content. For sensitive skin, we recommend the Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. Formulated with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil, the formula ensures deep hydration and nourishment for the skin. Moreover, Ceramides and Vitamin E form a protective barrier on the dermis, warding off pollutants and aggressors. 

4. SPF: Sensitive skin is more prone to sun damage. This is why we recommend the Dewy Sunscreen for your vanity. The lightweight formula containing 3 Vitamins upholds skin health while warding off UVA and UVB radiation. 

Related Article: 

1. Guide to Understanding Sensitive Skin
2. Difference Between Sensitive Skin and Sensitized Skin
3. How To Use Niacinamide For Sensitive Skin