The skincare industry is full of SPF 50 sunscreens. All of them claim to protect you from harmful UV rays, prevent premature ageing and pigmentation, and minimise the risks of chronic skin diseases.
However, with so many choices available, how do you choose the best SPF 50 sunscreen for your skin?
Let’s find out.
Understanding SPF
SPF stands for the ‘sun protection factor,’ and it indicates a sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin against the UVB rays. These rays are the primary cause of sunburn and can also contribute to skin cancer.
You can mainly find sunscreens with SPF 15, 30, and 50 in the market. The numbers indicate how long it would take for the UV rays to redden your skin as compared to when you have not applied any sunscreen. So if it takes 10 minutes for your skin to redden without sunscreen, it would take 50 times longer, i.e., 50 x 10 = 500 minutes to redden with SPF 50 sunscreen.
Why Do You Need SPF 50 in Sunscreen?
SPF 15 blocks 93% of the UVB rays, whereas SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98% of them. It may seem like just 1% extra protection, but with India's high UV index, it can significantly reduce the chances of sunburn and DNA damage.
Indian skin tones tend to tan and develop dark spots more, rather than red sunburns. We are also more prone to pigmentation disorders like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often triggered by UVB. Using SPF 50 sunscreens for the face and body can reduce the chances of these concerns. Additionally, given the harsh temperature conditions and high humidity in India, it doesn’t break as easily as SPF 15 or 30.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A SPF 50 Sunscreen
Now that you understand the importance of SPF 50 in sunscreen, you should know that it is not the only factor to be considered. Here are some key parameters you must look for in your sunscreen.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
While SPF protects you from UVB (burning) rays, you need broad-spectrum protection to fight UVA (aging) rays. These rays penetrate deep into your skin, destroy collagen, cause free-radical damage, suppress the immune system, and lead to premature ageing. Chemical filters like avobenzone and oxybenzone absorb UVA radiation and convert it into harmless heat, which is later released from the skin. Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on your skin and reflect away the UVA rays. So always choose a sunscreen with a high PA rating of PA+++ or PA++++.
Water Resistance
Sunscreens generally melt away when you are underwater, in a high-humidity environment, or sweat profusely. However, a water-resistant sunscreen adheres to your skin and maintains its SPF protection, requiring less reapplication. It is particularly recommended for people with an active or outdoor lifestyle.
Texture
No matter how good your SPF 50 sunscreen is, you cannot stick to it if you don’t like the texture. Look for oil-free, gel, or mattifying formulas if you have oily skin and hydrating cream textures if you have dry skin. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations don’t clog your pores or make your skin feel greasy.
Active Ingredients
Aside from sun protection, certain ingredients in your sunscreen can also target specific skin concerns. For example, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated, niacinamide fights pigmentation and dark spots, and centella asiatica and cica soothe inflammation. You can also look for vitamin C, green tea extracts, glycerine, etc., based on your skin concerns.
SEREKO’s Best SPF 50 Sunscreen Recommendations
There are multiple sunscreens in the market, but SEREKO offers science-backed psychodermatological skincare that not only targets your skin concerns but also addresses your mental health. Here is our range of sunscreens you can explore.
24H Hydration Sunscreen
One of the best SPF 50 sunscreens, it not only provides broad-spectrum PA++++ protection but can also act as a moisturiser. It has a waterlight, crème gel, and cooling formula and is made with cica and marine algae. Cica acts as a cooling agent on sunburns, reduces redness, and supports barrier repair. Marine algae provide deep hydration without making your skin greasy. It restores your moisture levels to prevent premature aging caused by dryness and sun damage. Easy to blend and layer under makeup, it is a great choice for dry and acne-prone skin.
Weightless Sun Fluid
This is one of the best SPF 50 sunscreens for oily skin with an ultra-light texture and PA++++, broad-spectrum protection. It is made with kakadu plum, which evens your skin tone and promotes collagen production, which is often interrupted by sun damage. It also contains ceramides that restore your skin barrier, lock moisture, and repair the skin barrier. They are quite essential for oily skin to regulate sebum production and prevent pore clogging. It is powered by hybrid UV filters and a fragrance-free formula that leaves no white cast.
Hydra - Protect Sun Mist
It is not just your face that needs protection from the sun, but all the exposed areas of your body. A sunscreen mist with SPF 50 PA++++ is much easier to spread over your arms and legs as compared to creams or gels. This mist offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, and blue light from screens.
It is made with ginseng, which is known to restore skin moisture and plump it for a hydrated and glowing look. However, it is the Centella asiatica that steals the show with its cooling properties to soothe inflammation and redness. You can reapply it multiple times throughout the day because it blends within seconds and leaves your skin with a dewy glow.
SPF 50 Sunscreen, Your Everyday Protection From the Sun
Choosing the right SPF 50 sunscreen is not just about regular sun protection, but maintaining your skin’s health in the long-run. The right formula should feel good, suit your skin type, and offer reliable broad-spectrum protection you’ll actually use every day. Combine it with internal hydration, protective clothing, and sunglasses so your skin stays calm, even-toned, and confidently protected, every day.
