Understanding Your Sunscreen Label: SPF, PA, and Broad Spectrum Explained

Understanding Your Sunscreen Label: SPF, PA, and Broad Spectrum Explained

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 their differences.

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 discolouration. Keep these concerns at bay with sunscreen every day.

 Okay, But Why Do I Need Sunscreen On A Cloudy Day?

Skipping sunscreen on a cloudy day? This is your sign to remedy the situation STAT. Unfortunately, UV rays penetrate the thickest of clouds and wreak havoc on your skin. 

 SPF Glossary: Reading The Label

In order to pick the best sunscreen for your skin, you need to understand all the SPF jargon. Here’s a detailed guide for reading the label. Keep scrolling to make an informed decision.

SPF: SPF or Sun Protection Factor determines the degree of protection offered by your sunscreen. Experts suggest that you should pick a sunscreen with SPF 30 (or more) that blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. Similarly, an SPF 70 Sunscreen offers 99% protection from all UVB rays.

PA: PA determines the grade of protection offered against UVA rays by your sunscreen. PA ++ ensures moderate protection, PA+++ offers good protection and PA++++ offers high protection against UVA rays.

Broad Spectrum: A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

 Best Sunscreens On 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 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. Ultramatte Sunscreen

Skin Types: Oily And Combination 

 A sunscreen and primer in one? Sign us up. This breathable formula cloaks blemishes, pores and creases while preventing sun damage. Foxtale’s Ultramatte Sunscreen boasts a water-resistant formula that won’t run with sweat or rain, making it the perfect fit for summer and monsoons. Use it to create a smooth, even tone canvas before getting your glam on.

4. Glow Sunscreen 

Skin Types: All 

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.

 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.

FAQs 

1. What is SPF 50+PA++++ on my sunscreen?
Ans) SPF 50+PA++++ determines the level of protection guaranteed by your sunscreen. SPF 50 means that your sunscreen blocks roughly 98% of harmful UVB radiation. On the other hand, PA++++ ensures high protection against UVA rays.

2. What is better PA+++ or PA++++?

Ans) PA+++ provides good protection against harmful UVA rays. On the other hand, PA++++ ensures exceptional safety from UVA radiation.

3. Is SPF 50 good for daily use?

Ans) Yes. Experts suggest that you should opt for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

4. What is the best SPF for Indian Sunscreen?

Ans) Try Foxtale’s SPF 50 Ultramatte Sunscreen. Available in 3 hues, the formula offers formidable sun protection all day.

5. How to pick the right sunscreen?

Ans) Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays, Additionally, you can narrow your search based on the skin type.







 

Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

Read more

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May 30, 2024

What Should You Know About Combining Niacinamide And Retinol

In science-led skincare, ingredients Niacinamide and Retinol have gained immense popularity. The two actives target and address a range of specific concerns, helping you attain the skin of your dreams. If you wish to bolster your skin’s lipid barrier, treat dark spots or pigmentation and maintain a healthy skin microbiome – a Niacinamide serum should be on your radar. On the other hand, if you want to fight stubborn, severe acne and reverse signs of skin ageing, a retinol-based serum is the perfect fix. But is it possible to reap the combined benefits of the two skincare workhorses? Can you use Niacinamide and Retinol together? The answer is a resounding yes. The two actives help enhance each other’s efficacy, making it a winning duo for an even tone, blemish-free complexion. Before we learn how the combination of Niacinamide and Retinol benefits the skin, let’s refresh our basics on the two actives. Niacinamide Serum And Its Benefits Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 found in eggs, fish, milk, and green veggies. The active is integral to your overall skin health but cannot be stored by the body due to its water-soluble nature. This is why you may opt for topical application of the ingredient with Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. The innovative brew grants your skin a radiant matte finish while cutting excess oil that no makeup can achieve. When should you use our Niacinamide Serum for your skin? 1. To Strengthen The Lipid Barrier: Niacinamide strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier by boosting the production of collagen and elastin. 2. To Control Sebum Production: Niacinamide helps administer a balanced microbiome by keeping the sebaceous glands in check. It is a must-have for readers with oily or acne-prone skin. 3. To Clear Skin Congestion: Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum blots excess oil and prevents gunk from congesting the pores. Results? A clearer, brighter complexion that boosts your confidence manifold. 4. To Reduce Hyperpigmentation: The use of Niacinamide dwindles melanin concentration in the skin cells, waning spots and patches. 5. To Fight Mild Acne: Niacinamide possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that treat episodes of mild acne. 6. To Reduce Fine Lines And Wrinkles: Niacinamide Serum boosts collagen production in your skin, reducing lines and wrinkles with long-term use. Retinol Serum And Its Benefits A form of Vitamin A, Retinol, is a super ingredient with a flurry of skincare benefits. However, due to a haze of myths surrounding the active, many steer clear of using Retinol altogether. If you are worried about flare-ups, breakouts, and inflammation while using Retinol, opt for this beginner-friendly innovation by Foxtale. Our anti-ageing serum is crafted with Encapsulated Retinol that breaks open in the deepest layers of your skin. Zero purging is guaranteed. When should you use Foxtale’s Anti-Ageing Serum for your skin? 1. To Fight Signs Of Skin Ageing: Retinol cues healthy regeneration of skin cells and bolsters collagen production, combating fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and more. 2. Fights Active Acne: Topical application of Retinol prevents dirt, gunk and pollutants from congesting the pores. It also exfoliates the outermost layer of your skin, flattening acne bumps and eruptions. How does the combination of Niacinamide and Retinol benefit your skin? Niacinamide and Retinol tackle a series of common concerns like early signs of skin ageing, pesky acne, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Then why must you employ the two ingredients together? 1. Fewer Episodes Of Inflammation And Irritation: Expert studies show that using Niacinamide can help offset irritation and inflammation from Retinol application. 2. Better Efficacy: The use of Niacinamide helps strengthen the acid mantle, making your skin respond better to the Retinol treatment. 3. Restore Your Skin’s Original Texture: The conjunction of Niacinamide and Retinol reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet for an even texture. 4. Fighting Acne: Niacinamide and Retinol help double down on efforts for acne control. As touched upon earlier, Niacinamide curbs sebum and prevents congestion. Additionally, it carries anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to maintain a healthy microbiome. Retinol buffs away dirt, grime and sebum on the dermis and ensures healthy cellular regeneration How to start using Niacinamide and Retinol together ? If you wish to start using Niacinamide and Retinol together, here are a few pointers to bear in mind. These tips will help optimize your skincare routine while minimizing potential side effects. 1. Start Slow And Easy: The first and foremost step is to make your skin accustomed to the two activities individually. Start by using Niacinamide and Retinol (at different instances) thrice a week and amp up this number according to your skin’s response. 2. Use During Morning/Nighttime Routine: You can use the Niacinamide Serum after cleansing in the morning. Opt for Retinol 2-3 times a week before bedtime as it ensures repair and regeneration at a cellular level (as you snooze). 3. Never Skimp On Moisturizer And SPF: Always slather a layer of moisturizer after applying your targeted serum. A moisturizer prevents the loss of water molecules from your skin’s surface, helping optimize the effectiveness of your Niacinamide/Retinol Serum. Niacinamide and Retinol target a range of common skin concerns like ageing, acne, and uneven skin tone. You can integrate the two activities into your skincare routine, only with a little caution. For starters, ensure that your skin is accustomed to the two ingredients (independently). We also recommend starting slow by using Niacinamide and Retinol for your skin at different times during the day. FAQs 1. What is the best time to use Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum? Ans) You can use Niacinamide during your morning and nighttime skincare routine. 2. Should I pat or rub Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum into my skin? Ans) We recommend patting 2 to 3 pumps of the Niacinamide Serum into your skin. Patting your formulas (instead of rubbing) reduces the potential strain on your skin, preventing episodes of inflammation or irritation. 3. Can Foxtale’s Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum brighten my complexion? Ans) Yes. Retinol buffs away the excess build-up of gunk, pollutants, and dead, revealing a brighter surface sitting underneath. Moreover, the skincare workhorse also encourages the healthy turnover of skin cells as you count sheep.

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