What kind of sunscreen is good and how to choose it. Firstly, it is necessary to clarify the key indicators of sunscreen, such as SPF and PA values, the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen, ingredient safety, and applicable skin types. Then it is necessary to cover choices in different scenarios, such as daily commuting, outdoor activities, sensitive skin, etc.
Deep needs that may not have been directly expressed by users include ingredient safety (such as whether harmful substances are present), user experience (whether oily or muddy), suitability for specific skin types (oily, dry, sensitive), and whether sunscreen for children needs special consideration. In addition, users may be concerned about the durability of sunscreen and whether it needs to be reapplied, as well as how to use it correctly.
Need to answer points and maintain clear structure. The core standards can include protection, ingredient safety, user experience, and applicable scenarios. Then provide the selection steps, such as choosing the type based on skin type, selecting the index based on the scene, and paying attention to ingredients to avoid irritation. The guidelines for avoiding pitfalls should remind common misconceptions, such as high SPF not necessarily being better, and physical sun protection may cause whitening. Finally, recommend some brands and products, and emphasize the correct usage methods, such as dosage and touch up time.
Also pay attention to the tables and examples used in the previous answer, such as the recommended product table for different scenarios, so that users can look more intuitive. At the same time, previous questions from users have mentioned international certification and brand recommendations, which also need to be included here, such as FDA, EU standards, and recommended professional brands such as Shiseido and Lifespring.
Finally, users should be reminded of the shelf life and correct usage of sunscreen to avoid any impact on its effectiveness due to improper use. For example, insufficient dosage or failure to reapply in a timely manner may greatly reduce the sun protection effect. It may also be necessary to mention pairing other sun protection measures, such as hats and sunglasses, to form comprehensive protection.
Choosing a high-quality sunscreen requires a scientific evaluation of its protective ability, ingredient safety, and user experience, especially in the current era of increasing attention to UV damage and skin health issues, where precise selection is crucial. The following is a guide for purchasing professional grade sunscreen:
1、 Core Performance Standards
- Protection capability (core indicator)
Definition of indicators and applicable scenarios of standards
The SPF value is a multiple of the protection time against UVB. For daily commuting, choose SPF30+(blocking 97% UVB), and for outdoor sports, choose SPF50+(blocking 98%). The value does not equal the protection time and needs to be reapplied every 2 hours
PA value/broad-spectrum UVA protection ability, PA+++(Japanese) or labeled “Broad Spectrum” (American) is the best for preventing photoaging and skin cancer
Waterproof rating: “Water Resistance (40/80 minutes)” and passed the test. It is essential for swimming, sweating scenes, water sports, and high-intensity outdoor activities
- Ingredient safety
Physical sunscreen (titanium dioxide/zinc oxide):
Advantages: Reflects ultraviolet rays and is not easily allergic (suitable for sensitive skin and children).
Disadvantages: May appear white and have a heavy texture.
Chemical sunscreen agents (such as avobenzone, wheat filter, etc.):
Advantages: Lightweight texture, suitable for daily use.
Disadvantage: Some ingredients may irritate the skin (such as controversial benzophenone-3).
Lightning protection components:
Benzophenone-3 (may interfere with hormones), Okelilin (releases free radicals), high concentration alcohol (use with caution on dry skin).
- User experience
Texture:
For oily skin, choose Shake Roll/gel (such as Shiseido Blue Fat Man), and for dry skin, choose cream (such as Dyke AG).
Film formation speed:
Rapid film formation (<3 minutes) reduces stickiness (such as in AnaSun Gold bottles).
Additional features:
Antioxidant (adding vitamin E), moisturizing (hyaluronic acid) or oil controlling (silica powder).
2、 Select by skin type and scene
Recommended skin type/scene representative products
Pure physical sunscreen for sensitive muscles, without essence alcohol
Oil free formula for acne prone skin+oil controlling ingredient Matte Fluid SPF50
Zinc oxide base for children/pregnant women, no chemical sunscreen Thinkbaby SPF50+
Outdoor sports high waterproof+anti friction technology Shiseido An sun resistant gold bottle
Daily commuting lightweight lotion+antioxidant Lancome small white tube SPF50
3、 International certification and brand recommendation
Certification standards:
US FDA sunscreen approval, EU COLIPA standard, Australian TGA certification (the strictest in the world).
Professional brand:
Japanese: Shiseido (Anisun), Allie (Anti Friction Technology);
European brands: Lifuquan (specializing in sensitive skin), La Roche Posay (using Macfilter technology);
American style: Supergoop! (transparent gel), EltaMD (medical grade sunscreen).
4、 Guide to Avoiding Pits
SPF False Label Trap:
Some affordable products have not passed human testing and have insufficient actual protective power (priority should be given to those endorsed by major manufacturers).
‘Natural’ misleading:
Plant ingredients (such as aloe vera) ≠ effective in sun protection, need to be combined with chemical/physical sunscreen agents.
Spray sunscreen risk:
Inhalation hazard (prohibited for children), and uneven coverage is prone to missed application.
5、 Proper use and maintenance
consumption:
The face needs to be the size of a 1 yuan coin (about 1g), and the full body dose is about 30ml (one 50ml bottle is only enough for 1-2 full body uses).
Supplementary coating rules:
Apply reapply every 2 hours, immediately after swimming/wiping sweat.
preservation:
Avoid high temperatures (>30 ℃ will decompose components) and use up within 6 months after opening.
Testing method:
Apply sunscreen evenly to a transparent glass plate, irradiate it with a UV lamp, and observe the intensity of UV rays passing through the back (professional instruments are more accurate for detection).
High quality sunscreen is the first line of defense against photoaging, and should be scientifically matched according to the scene, skin type, and ingredients. In extreme environments such as plateaus and equatorial regions, it is recommended to follow the “ABC principle”: Avoid (avoid strong UV exposure)+Block (hard sunscreen coverage)+Cream (sunscreen coverage) to achieve comprehensive protection.