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 SunscreenA 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 dailyUnderstanding Different Sunscreen LabelsSunscreen 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 SunscreenSunscreens 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) SunscreenThese 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 forSensitive 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.DownsideSome formulas can leave a white cast, which is more prominent in darker skin tones. The sunscreen also has a thicker consistency.Chemical SunscreenChemical 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.DownsideIt 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 PABest Sunscreen from FoxtaleWell-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 SunscreenSkin Types: Oily & Combination SkinThe 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 SunscreenSkin Types: Normal To Dry, Extremely DryRejuvenate 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 50Skin Types: Oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, normal & combination skinFor 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 ResultsHow 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.ConclusionTo 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