Why does my face sweat after applying sunscreen? And 5 other sunscreen queries answered!

why does my face sweat after applying sunscreen?

Hello lovelies!
With the rising mercury, sunscreen has become mandatory before stepping out. However, a lot of us find it annoying to use sunscreen on our faces. One main reason we women give for not applying sunscreen, is that our skin becomes oily & sweaty after applying it. Unfortunately, sunscreen usage is un-avoidable in summer and whether you like it or not, you HAVE to use one. So why do we sweat after applying sunscreen, and how can we avoid it? Read on, we've got answers!

So why is it that we sweat so much on using a sun cream?

We popped this question to SP (Plum's founder and a die-hard science buff), and the reply was immediate, scientific and well, sounded logical.

SP's reply: We sweat the same each time it's hot, SPF or no SPF. If the sweat evaporates quickly, we don't feel sweaty. If it doesn't, it makes us feel we're sweating more. With no cream (or SPF) on your skin, the skin's surface is "rougher" and the sweat evaporates more easily as it's in the form of smaller droplets. When you apply an SPF, the skin's surface smoothens, and the droplets tend to come together and form bigger droplets (think rain drops on glass). These take a longer time to evaporate than smaller droplets. That's when you feel the sweat running down your face and the "sweatiness" kicks in. It's the same logic of why you "sweat more" in coastal areas (higher humidity = slower evaporation) than in the interiors of the country (lower humidity = sweat evaporates faster). 

Makes sense? Here are some smart answers to some more frequently asked sunscreen-related questions!


Do I need to use a cleanser before applying sunscreen? 

Yes. It is essential to apply sunscreen on a clean face. Cleanse your face properly with an oil control face wash and then apply sunscreen. If you have oily to combination skin, you can use an alcohol free toner as well.


How do I choose the right sunscreen for me

The market is filled with different variants of sunscreens. Choosing one as per your needs and skin type is very important. You can choose a normal sunscreen lotion, a sunscreen spray, a gel based sunscreen, or even a matte sunscreen basis your level of sun exposure. If you remain indoors for most of the day then a sunscreen with low SPF 20 or 30 would work for you. If you have a lot of traveling to do, or have reasons to avoid sun damage strictly, go for a higher SPF.


Also read:
Sun protection: Top 6 myths busted
SPF: Sunscreen or Sun Block?

Is the application of a sunscreen different from that of a moisturizing lotion?

A sunscreen lotion just needs to be spread on your face, while a moisturizer should be massaged. There are chances that you are using more than the required amount of product and massaging it which leads to sweating. Do not apply sunscreen in a hurry. Give it time to get absorbed in your skin. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 15 mins before you step out.


Also read:
Love your skin - 5 easy, everyday ways
UV radiation from computers & other sources - should you worry?

How do I control the oiliness/ stickiness?

You can dust some loose powder or compact powder with a big brush or a puff. Choose a compact with SPF for double protection. Since the main purpose of dusting loose powder is oil control, you need not get a compact with high coverage- a basic powder will do the job. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after a few hours for effective protection.


How do I revive my skin from sun-induced damage?

You cannot escape sun damage, but what you can do is use easy home remedies for managing sun damage and to get rid of tanning.

1. Use papaya and potato for de-tanning -Papaya and potato are great for de-tanning. Mash a few pieces of papaya and apply it all over your face and neck. Wash off with cool water after 15 minutes. For mild tanning you can also apply raw potato juice.

2. Multani Mitti magic- Fuller’s earth or multani mitti is an effective replacement for expensive clay masks. Mix multani mitti with rose water to form a thick paste and apply it all over your face and neck. Wash off with cool water after 15 minutes. 

3. Cucumber as an astringent- Grate a cucumber and apply its juice on your face for instant cooling. You can also rub a slice of chilled cucumber all over your face for the same effect. 

4. Use a de-tanning lotion at night and let it work its magic while you sleep.

Let us know which of these tips you found most useful and if you have any other questions related to tanning or sunscreens, you know where to reach us!


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