Sunscreens are a crucial part of the skincare routine. Recently brightening sunscreen is all the hype which claims to give your skin a radiance along with sun protection. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between brightening sunscreen and regular sunscreen and how to decide which one to pick.
What is a regular sunscreen?
Sun protection and sunscreen go hand in hand. Its primary function is to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Regular sunscreen works by:
Blocking UV rays
Regular sunscreen contains ingredients that absorb or reflect UV rays, preventing them from penetrating your skin. These rays are responsible for sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
- SPF protection: Look for an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher for everyday use. SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. Some sunscreens also offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they shield against UVA rays as well, which contribute to wrinkles and skin cancer.
- Comes in various forms: Lotions, sprays, gels, and sticks are all common types of regular sunscreen. Choose the format that best suits your skin type and activity level.
What is a brightening sunscreen?
Brightening sunscreen combines the essential UV protection of regular sunscreen with additional ingredients that aim to improve your skin's overall tone and radiance.
Brightening sunscreen works by providing:
Sun Protection
Just like regular sunscreen, brightening sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This shields your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher for everyday use.
Brightening Benefits
In addition to sun protection, brightening sunscreens contain ingredients that target hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and dullness. These ingredients can help:
- Reduce melanin production: Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. Uneven melanin production can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Brightening ingredients can help regulate melanin production for a more even complexion.
- Improve skin radiance: These sunscreens may contain antioxidants that fight free radical damage, which can contribute to dullness. They might also have light-reflecting particles that give your skin a subtle glow.
Key differences between brightening sunscreen and regular sunscreen
Focus:
Regular Sunscreen: Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Brightening Sunscreen: Offers the same sun protection as regular sunscreen, but with the added benefit of targeting uneven skin tone and dullness.
Ingredients:
Regular Sunscreen: Contains ingredients that absorb or reflect UV rays, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, or Avobenzone.
Brightening Sunscreen: Includes the UV-protective ingredients found in regular sunscreen, plus additional components like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Kojic acid etc.: These can help regulate melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Benefits:
Regular Sunscreen: Protects skin from sun damage.
Brightening Sunscreen: Protects skin from sun damage while also potentially:
- Evens out skin tone
- Improves skin radiance and brightness
Suitability:
Regular Sunscreen: Suitable for all skin types.
Brightening Sunscreen: May not be suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, as some brightening ingredients can be irritating.
When to use brightening sunscreen vs. regular sunscreen
When choosing between brightening sunscreen and regular sunscreen, it essentially comes to your primary concern. If only sun protection is your priority, then a good old-fashioned regular broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is the way to go. It's perfect for everyday use and suitable for all skin types. However, if you're also looking to address uneven skin tone or dullness, then a brightening sunscreen might be a good fit. It offers the same sun protection as regular sunscreen but with the added benefit of potentially giving you a brighter, more radiant complexion. Just remember that brightening sunscreens may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and skin type.
Conclusion
Sun protection is a must-have in any skincare routine. While both brightening sunscreen and regular sunscreen shield your skin from harmful UV rays, they cater to slightly different needs. No matter which you choose, make sunscreen for face a daily habit for healthy, protected skin.
FAQs
1.DOES BRIGHTENING SUNSCREEN LIGHTEN MY SKIN?
Brightening sunscreens aim to even out your existing complexion and prevent future sun damage that can worsen hyperpigmentation. They cannot lighten your skin significantly but can offer a subtle glow.
2.CAN I USE BOTH BRIGHTENING SUNSCREEN AND REGULAR SUNSCREEN TOGETHER?
No, there's no need to use both. Choose one type of sunscreen that offers the protection and benefits you desire.
