Sunscreen Gels Vs Creams: Which One Should You Pick?
Dr. Shireen Singh, MBBS.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Listen to the blog
Watch the blog
Nothing can replace the joy of reading, right? Read the blog here.
Is sunscreen an integral part of your morning skincare regime? Are you sun protected? If not, it's high time you include sunscreen in your daily skincare regime. Sunscreen is a must-have skincare product not only during summer but all year round to protect your skin from the damaging effect of the sun. When it comes to sunscreens, there are a plethora of options to choose from. There are sunscreen creams, lotions, gels, sprays and sticks. Sunscreens are formulated according to the skin type, SPF and different levels of UV filtration. Let’s discuss the two most common types of sunscreen that people mainly use: sunscreen gels and creams. Which one is good for your skin? Let's get the complete low down on both types of sunscreen.
What's A Sunscreen Gel?
Gel-based-sunscreens are lightweight and get absorbed into the skin quickly. The water-based formulation of gel sunscreen is non-sticky, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin. One of the best advantages of gel-based-sunscreen is that it does not create a white cast on the skin due to its water-based formulation.
Now that we're on the topic of Sunscreen Gels, we cannot help but mention ThriveCo's Daily Sunscreen Gel. It is designed for oily or acne-prone skin. It offers broad-spectrum protection and contains skin-friendly ingredients, like a good sunscreen should! It contains SPF 50 which ensures maximum sun protection. The gel protects your skin from sun's harmful UV rays, along with offering intense hydration.
Buy ThriveCo Daily Sunscreen Gel
Review Shared by Saraswathy S
"I love the feel of the product on my skin. It is non- greasy, easily absorbed and doesn't leave a white residue."
Experts often recommend sunscreen gels for oily skin and acne-prone skin as they are less greasy and heavy than creams or lotions. Being lightweight, it quickly gets absorbed into the skin, making them ideal for use during outdoor physical activities or in humid weather.
Also Read : Skin Care Routine For Acne - Prone Skin
Sunscreen gels are available in various SPF (SPF 50 sunscreen, which is most recommendable) levels, which indicate the level of protection against UVB rays that cause sunburn.
What's A Sunscreen Cream?
Sunscreen cream has a thicker consistency. Sunscreen creams are often recommended to those with dry skin as they tend to be more moisturizing and less likely to irritate the skin than sunscreen sticks and sprays. But due to their thick consistency, it takes longer for sunscreen creams to be absorbed into the skin.
Sunscreen creams are also available in various SPF (sun protection factor) levels, indicating the protection level against UVB rays that cause sunburn. It typically contains the same active ingredients as other sunscreens, such as chemical UV filters or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
When applying a sunscreen cream, it's essential to use enough to cover all the exposed skin and rub it in thoroughly to ensure even application. You should apply sunscreen cream for at least 15 minutes before going out; sunscreen creams take time to absorb the skin due to their creamy texture. Sunscreen with SPF 50 is recommended for maximum sun protection.
Also Read : Is Sun Protection Essential ?
Sunscreen Gel Vs Cream: Which Type Of Sunscreen Is Best For The Skin & Why?
Whether sunscreen gel or cream is better for your skin depends on your skin type and personal preference. Both sunscreen gel and cream provide adequate protection against UV rays, but they differ in texture and feel.
Experts recommend ThriveCo's Sunscreen Gel for oily and acne-prone skin, as gel-based-sunscreens such as they are lightweight and non-sticky. Unlike other sunscreens, gel-based-sunscreens are non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog the skin's pores. Gel sunscreens are lightweight and absorb quickly into the skin, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use.On the other hand, sunscreen creams are often preferred by those with dry skin as they tend to be more moisturizing. Creams are usually thicker and more emollient, providing hydration to the skin. One of the most significant disadvantages of sunscreen creams/lotions is that it creates a white cast on the skin. Some sunscreen creams can be comedogenic and are not advisable to use for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
So when it comes to the best sunscreen for oily skin or acne-prone skin, sunscreen gels always have the upper hand as it protects the skin from the damaging effect of the sun without making it greasy or without clogging the pores. Dermatologists recommend SPF 50 sunscreen for maximum sun protection. Try ThriveCo's Daily Sunscreen Gel with SPF 50, which acts as a shield protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. This ultralight mineral-based formulation has SunCat DE, which evenly disperses broadband sun protection. Moreover, this sunscreen gel has skin-friendly ingredients such as ultra-hydrating- 33 kDa Hyaluronic Acid, super antioxidant Resveratrol with anti-ageing benefits and Polyglutamic Acid with humectant properties. Furthermore, it won't irritate your sensitive skin. The 3-way action of this sunscreen gel provides better sun protection, boosts the skin's hydration level and protects from environmental aggressors, promoting cell renewal and giving you healthy, radiant skin throughout the year, irrespective of the weather condition.
Also Read : Bid Adieu To Dehydrated Skin With 5 KDA Hyaluronic Acid
Sunscreen should be a part of your morning skincare routine and choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 for protection against the UVA and UVB rays. Infact, the most crucial factor when choosing a sunscreen is to ensure that it has a sufficient SPF level for your skin type and activity level and to reapply it regularly throughout the day. It's also a good idea to choose a sunscreen labeled as "broad spectrum," meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
About Doctor :
Dr. Shireen Singh, MBBS, MD Dermatology, is a trusted dermatologist with over 8 years of specialized experience. Passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their hair and skin care goals, she combines cutting-edge technologies with personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. She's dedicated to helping you achieve vibrant hair and glowing skin. Dr. Shireen loves research and is here to share her expertise for your health and happiness.
Disclaimer:All the content published on www.thriveco.in is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider. The information, suggestion, or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
