How to choose a sunscreen

This article was contributed by Dr Lim Ai Wei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Klang.
To book an appointment or learn more about Dr Lim Ai Wei and her clinic, click here.

How to choose a sunscreen

• Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection against UVA and UVB
• Check for SPF (Sun Protection Factor), Higher SPF offers slightly more protection SPF 30: Sufficient for most people

SPF 50: For high exposure or photosensitive skin

• Water resistance
• Choose between physical and chemical sunscreen

Physical sunscreen:

• Uses mineral that sits on top of the skin & reflect away UV ray
• Works immediately.
• May leave white cast on the skin.
• Contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Tinted physical sunscreen (with added iron oxides) provide superior blue light protection (source of blue light: sunlight, computers, televisions, smartphones)

Chemical sunscreen:

• Absorbs UV rays and transform into heat, usually more lightweight and invisible on the skin
• Takes up to 20 minutes for the effect
• Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Avobenzone

Consider your skin type
Oily: Look for oil-free or gel-based
Dry: Look for cream-based with hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid or glycerin)

How much to apply?
Use the ‘two-finger rule’ where 2 strips of sunscreen (on index and middle finger each), for each of the body segment as shown below.