Ever been told to never forget to put on your sunblock before you leave the house? I’m sure you have, and that’s because sunblock isn’t just a skincare accessory; it’s a necessity for maintaining healthy skin. Especially with Pakistan's harsh climate, where sun exposure is high for most of the year, the need for effective sun protection becomes even more critical.
Finding a product that not only provides this protection but is also tailored to your skin type can feel like a challenge, and so, this guide aims to explain the importance of sunscreen, the types available, how to use it correctly, and finally will recommend specialised sunblock with an in-depth review.
Why Is Sunscreen Important?
Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools in preventing sun-induced damage to the skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, that is, the rays from the sun can result in a range of skin issues, from a simple sunburn, premature ageing, pigmentation, and wrinkles to more severe conditions like skin cancer. In Pakistan, with its hot climate, it becomes all the more necessary and makes the daily use of sunscreen vital for each and every individual.
Yet, sunscreen is not only for protection. Sure, it does protect you from harmful sun rays, but it also helps maintain an even skin tone by preventing dark spots and discoloration. Furthermore, consistent use of sunscreen can enhance the skin's texture over time, helping it stay smooth and youthful looking. Hence, why a lot of the times sunblock is mistaken as a ‘whitening cream’ but really, it’s just giving you your glow back!
Choosing the Right Type
Sunscreen is essential for all skin types but choosing the right one to suit your skin needs is key to ensuring optimal protection without compromising skin health.
Those with oily and acne-prone skin greasy and shiny looking skin and enlarged pores, and hence require a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that controls sebum. These are often labelled as "oil-free" or "matte finish," and are ideal to avoid clogged pores and reduce shine.
Dry skin, on the other hand, is characterised by tight pores and tight or flaky skin. This type benefits from sunscreens that have hydrating ingredients which offer moisture along with UV protection.
Sensitive skin reacts to most products which often causes skin to become red or irritated. Those with this skin type should look for sunscreens that are labelled as "hypoallergenic" or "fragrance-free," often opting for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate.
Individuals with combination skin may have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry and tight cheeks. This type may require a lightweight sunblock that provides hydration without excess oil.
Those with normal skin have a balanced skin pH and can typically use a wide range of sunscreens, though it’s still important to select a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
How to Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. No matter how effective the formula, proper application is required to reap full benefits of the product. Here are some key guidelines to ensure you get maximum protection:
A common mistake is using too little sunscreen. You should apply at least two fingers worth of sunblock to your face and more for other exposed areas of your body. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas such as the ears, neck, and back of the hands.
Ideally, sunscreen should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before going outside to give it time to fully absorb into your skin, and in some cases, to give it time to activate.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every three hours for optimal protection, especially if you're sweating, swimming, or spending prolonged periods in the sun.
Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so wearing sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, is essential. Indoor exposure to UV rays from devices like computers can also contribute to skin damage, so make sunblock a part of your daily skincare routine.
Introducing Rederm’s Sunblock Range
In Pakistan, Rederm’s Solero Sunblock range offers one of the best medicated sunblock in Pakistan. While the term ‘medicated’ might seem scary it just means that it is dermatologist approved and works for all skin types, whether you have oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin.
The Solero Sunblock SPF 100
This sunblock is the ultimate defence tool for your skin. It is specifically formulated to offer broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays which reduces the risk of sunburns and helps fade dark spots, treat hyperpigmentation, and reverse sun damage to give you healthier and brighter skin.
This SPF 100 sunscreen offers maximum protection, and it does so because of a specific formulation. The key ingredients, especially zinc, work as anti-inflammatory and provide a physical barrier on your skin, making sure your skin stays safe from the heat, that too without leaving a white residue on your skin.
Moreover, the Solero Sunblock SPF 100 is gentle on the skin because it’s fragrance and colourant-free, and the aloe vera extract also helps soothe and hydrate skin, calming any irritation caused by sun exposure, making this one of the best in Pakistan.
Given its gentle nature, this sunblock is ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. Plus, those of you with oily skin you can rest easy knowing that its lightweight formula ensures that the skin remains non-greasy, while the aloe vera still ensures hydration for those with drier skin.
The Solero Sunblock SPF 40- Sebum Control
This sunscreen should stand out for those with oily, acne-prone skin due to its unique combination of features and ingredients designed to address multiple skin concerns. While obviously offering broad-spectrum protection, and all the other benefits that come with the SPF 100, the Solero Sunblock SPF 40 particularly helps control excess oil production, which is a significant advantage for those with oily skin. It leaves the skin feeling balanced and fresh without the greasy residue that many other sunscreens tend to leave behind.
Since it is oily skin friendly, the non-clogging, lightweight formula also ensures that it works for acne-prone skin because it prevents bacteria from clogging pores, leaving the skin with a smooth, matte finish that stays all day while providing essential sun protection.
Also enriched with retinyl palmitate, which is known for its anti-aging properties, and wheat germ oil, which promotes skin nourishment and brightening, this sunscreen actively works to reduce sun-induced hyperpigmentation. Over time, it can help improve the overall complexion, giving the skin a more radiant and even tone while combating fine lines and wrinkles.
While not providing the level of UVB protection as the SPF 100, the difference sounds more than it actually is. The key difference between the two is just that SPF 40 might be more suitable for everyday activities and short sun exposure for most skin types, while the SPF 100 is recommended for people with extremely fair skin, photosensitivity, or those in intense sun conditions.
The most important factor though, is that both carry almost the same benefits and are formulated to suit both men and women, unlike other skin care that is formulated to cater to only female skin. So, all you men out there can also step out confidently, knowing your skin is well-protected, truly making this the best sunblock option in Pakistan!
One of the standout features of both these products are their non-greasy formulas. Unlike many sunscreens that leave a greasy film, these make the perfect base for makeup or a standalone product for a no-shine look. Plus, the water-resistant formula means you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about constant reapplication.
Conclusion
When it comes to sun protection, investing in a high-quality sunscreen is one of the best decisions you can make for your skin. Different skin types require different sunblock, but the products in the Solero Sunblock range provide comprehensive protection, while also catering to the unique needs of different skin types and ensuring its long-term health and radiance.
Whether you're battling the harsh summer sun in Pakistan or just need daily protection from the UV rays, the Solero Sunblock SPF 100 or the Solero Sunblock SPF 40- Sebum Control could be your perfect companions, so head on over to Rederm Aesthetic now!
