The sun is getting hotter and hotter with each passing year. The dangerous UV radiations that our skin is exposed to can be as damaging as being the cause of skin cancer.
In such a dire situation what can we do to remedy the harmful effects of the sun?
There is one answer: Sunscreen.
Sunscreens are the magical products that contain sun protection factor commonly known as SPF which helps in barricading the skin at all fronts so that no harmful radiation either it be UVA or UVB get past to it. Sunscreens are highly recommended in terms of health and beauty by both doctors and beauty professionals alike. Let’s dig deeper into sunscreen and its oh-so-many benefits!
What is a sunscreen?
What is a sunscreen? Sunscreen, frequently called sunblock, is a skincare product that maybe in form of lotion, spray or gel, which helps to protect the skin against harmful sun rays and reduces the chance of developing common skin problems such as wrinkles, darks spots or sagging skin.
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It chiefly protects the skin from sunburn and ultraviolent radiations which are a major cause of skin cancer now a days. Sunscreens are divided into two categories:
- Physical sunscreens: which deflect the sun rays by staying on the skin. These are composed mainly of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that blocks the radiations
- Chemical sunscreens: which absorb the UV radiations so they can no longer reach the skin. Major components in these sunscreens are UV organic filters which filters out all UV rays.
Sunscreen in sun protection and other Benefits
Sunscreens as mentioned earlier provide a protective shield which reduces the chance of melanoma which is a chronic cancerous skin disease. This makes it a healthier choice for the skin care routine. Daily use of sunscreen makes skin smoother and more lively looking.
Sunscreens can also be used to remove any signs of premature aging making the skin look younger and brighter. It keeps your skin tone balanced in which unevenness is often a result of exposure to sun rays. Apart from this there are proteins such as keratin in the skin which helps keep the skin healthier. These can be secured by applying sunscreen.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and suitable SPF for skin
But how do sunscreens actually save skin from sun rays? Sun protection factor SPF is present in a sunscreen which is the actual thing that helps protect skin against burning sun rays. By definition it is the quantity or number on rating scale in a sunscreen that blocks out harmful UVA and UVB radiations. On scale it can be as low as 2 to as high as 100. Sunscreens that have SPF from 30 to 50 are considered best for skin protection.
Although the amount of SPF application through sunscreen depends upon a number of factors such as span of exposure of skin to sun, geographical location, time of day, and environmental conditions. Moreover it is important to take into account your skin type so that you land the right product.If you have dry skin use sunscreen in cream.
For oily skin type a gel sunscreen is better as it will hydrate the skin and save it from sun without actually clogging the pores. People with darker skin should apply sunscreen with less SPF because their skin already contains melanin that helps in protecting skin to some extent. However it is still safe for everyone to use sunscreen with 30 SPF atleast.
When and how to wear sunscreen?
According to research an adult should apply about 30g of sunscreen on uncovered parts of the body before sun exposure. This amount varies from person to person. However certain tips while using sunscreen come in very handy like sunscreen can give its best results when it is applied daily even when sun exposure is low and the day is cloudy just to make the skin get used to the product. Surprising right? Best sunscreen is the one that is broad spectrum i.e. it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB radiations.
Apply sunscreen liberally half an hour before going into sun. Sunscreen should also be applied on lips in the form of lip balms that are rich in SPF. Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours when you are outdoors. Beware of using expired sunscreen products because that would be dangerous!
Sunscreen tips
Since there is a wide range of sunscreen creams gels, sticks, balms and sprays so how do you decide which product to choose? We will tell you. First you need to understand that you need protection against both kinds of ultraviolent rays i.e. UVA which causes skin cancer and UVB which is likely to get you a sunburn.
You need a sunscreen which can provide protection against both these rays. You need a sunscreen with a higher SPF however too much will not have any impact on your skin as it is normally believed. If you forget to apply sunscreen daily, you can mix it with your foundation so that you don’t miss out on your routine.
Apart from Sunscreens and Sun Protection Factor there are numerous ways of protecting your skin against sun rays all you need to do is pamper it in the best possible way.
Limiting sun exposure is the first step towards a healthier more beautiful skin.
With all the work and socializing it is hard to avoid it but the best you can do is find shade when the sun is at its peak. It is best that you remain in shade from 10am to 4pm since these are the peak hours for sunburn.
Always wear sun protective clothing like long sleeved shirts and 100% UV absorbent sun glasses. Avoid going to tanning places as recreational tanning is also one of the unhealthy activities for the skin. Avoid going near reflective surfaces like water etc. as these will only increase your chance of having a sunburn.
Best sunscreen products
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Conclusion
This is all from our side on how you can protect your skin from the harms of the sun radiations by using sunscreen and other prevention methods. Always remember to go for the products according to your skin type to get best results.
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