Purito SPF 50 sunscreen: what to check and how to use it

Which Purito sunscreen are you buying?

Purito lists Sun Day Adventure Sunscreen SPF 50 at $21.50, which is a more useful shopping detail than another paragraph about adventure. If you mean a different Purito sunscreen, use that product's own ingredients and directions rather than treating every Purito SPF 50 as the same formula.13

Before buying, look for UVA as well as UVB protection, a water resistance statement, application directions and an expiry date. Read the ingredient list if you need to avoid a particular ingredient. Do not assume fragrance status, texture, white cast, makeup compatibility or suitability for acne prone skin from the SPF number. Sunscreen rules differ between countries, so read the label on the version you are actually buying.345

What does SPF 50 mean?

SPF means sun protection factor and primarily describes protection against UVB, the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. UVA reaches deeper into the skin. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both. SPF is not a countdown: SPF 50 does not mean you can spend 50 times longer outside without burning. Sun exposure also depends on the strength of sunlight, the time of day and your location.34

How do you apply it?

These are general sunscreen steps. Follow the exact Purito pack for product specific directions.

1. 1Apply before going outdoors. General application guidance ranges from 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure; use the timing printed on your pack.
2. 2Apply generously to every exposed area. Cover your face, nose, ears, neck, shoulders and hands, plus your feet when they are uncovered. Avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes or mouth.
3. 3Check the places that are easy to miss. Cover the hairline and exposed scalp, and use an SPF lip balm for your lips. Ask someone to help with your back if needed.
4. 4Reapply at least every two hours while outdoors. Apply again after swimming, sweating or toweling off, following any more frequent directions on the label.

For coverage from head to toe, an average sized adult or child needs at least one ounce, roughly a shot glass full. That is a whole body amount, not a face only dose. A light swipe over a few areas is not the generous, complete coverage these directions call for.3

Can you use it for swimming or exercise?

Choose a sunscreen explicitly labeled water resistant for swimming or sweating. Under US labeling rules, water resistant sunscreens state either 40 or 80 minutes of protection during those activities. No sunscreen is waterproof. Do not infer water resistance from Purito's SPF 50 rating or product name, and do not wait two hours to reapply after getting wet.3

Does it suit sensitive or oily skin?

Choose a sunscreen formulated for your skin type rather than choosing by SPF alone. For sensitive skin, look for a sensitive skin label. For oily or acne prone skin, look for a noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic label. Those are useful shopping criteria, not reasons to assume an unverified Purito formula will suit you. A hypoallergenic label still leaves a risk of an allergic reaction.2

If your skin is sensitive to chemicals in sunscreen, a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an alternative to consider. Do not classify this Purito product as mineral or chemical without checking its filters. For babies younger than six months, ask a health care provider before using sunscreen; prioritize keeping them out of direct sun and covering their skin.4

What should you expect from daily use?

Sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective skincare products for signs of aging, which gives the longer routines some explaining to do. Daily use can make a noticeable difference, but expect modest cosmetic results rather than a facelift. Give sunscreen and moisturizer a few weeks before judging whether a remaining concern needs another product. A moisturizer with sunscreen is an option if it offers broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher.2

Choose within your budget: effective skincare products come in different price ranges. Purito's listed price does not tell you whether its finish will suit your routine. Check the label and skin type guidance before making price the deciding factor.2

Do you need it on cloudy days?

Use sun protection throughout the year, including cool and cloudy days. UV rays can reach your skin through cloud cover and reflect off water, sand, cement and snow. Check your local UV Index, which forecasts the strength of ultraviolet rays; take protective measures when it reaches 3 or higher. Sunscreen is not a reason to extend your time in the sun.45

Combine sunscreen with shade, clothing and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB. A hat with a brim all around protects the face, ears and back of the neck better than a baseball cap. Tightly woven clothing offers better coverage than fabric with gaps. Keep using sunscreen and protective clothing in the shade. In the continental United States, UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight saving time.5

How should you store the tube?

Keep sunscreen away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Outdoors, leave the container in the shade or wrap it in a towel. Replace sunscreen past its expiry date. Under US guidance, sunscreen without an expiry date should be discarded three years after purchase; discard it sooner if you do not know its age.3

What if you get sunburned?

If you burn, get out of the sun and go indoors rather than relying on another application to keep you outside. Cool baths or showers can ease discomfort. Pat your skin gently, leave a little water on it and apply moisturizer to help with dryness. A moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy can soothe sunburned skin. Avoid sunburn treatments containing benzocaine, which can irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction.6

Do not pop sunburn blisters; they help protect healing skin from infection. Cover the affected skin with tightly woven clothing outdoors while it heals. Seek medical care for very large blisters. If blistering is accompanied by feeling unwell or heat exhaustion, seek emergency care.6