SUNSCREEN: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM SUN

Introduction

Wondering how to protect the skin from the sun? Well, start with sunscreen!

Many people consider the use of sunscreen during sunny days. However, sunscreen has to be applied to the skin even during cloudy days. It protects the skin cells from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin damage from sunburns and suntans.

Sunscreen these days is available in various forms. From lotions, gels, oils, creams, sticks, and sprays, the options are many. However, the usage and application technique differs with the types of sunscreen. For instance, a sunscreen spray is not the best sunscreen for the face!

Read on to learn more about sunscreens, their benefits, the best practices to use sunscreen, and other various ways to protect the skin from the sun.

What is SPF in sunscreens?

Sunscreens are manufactured in a wide range of sun protection factors (SPF). The SPF level determines how well the sunscreen will protect the skin or body from ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. While UVB rays cause sunburns, UVA rays can lead to age spots, wrinkles, and premature ageing. Overexposure to these rays can cause skin cancer.

Sunscreens, therefore, help in combating these harmful rays. Higher SPF sunscreen means greater protection from UV rays. For instance, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, and SPF 30 and SPF 50 block 97% and 98% respectively. 

Benefits of sunscreen

• Shields from harmful UV rays

• Lowers the risk of skin cancer

• It Lessens blotchiness on the face

• Limits the appearance of sunspots

• Prevents sunburns and tanning

• Protects from premature ageing

• Keeps an even complexion

• Enhances the health of the skin

• Offers better protection than hats, caps, or full-sleeved dress

The optimal use of sunscreen

• Apply an SPF sunscreen (15 or higher) 15 to 30 minutes before you step outside in the sun, to allow the sunscreen to settle.

• Use enough sunscreen to cover your entire body and face (avoid the application near mouth and eyes).

• An average-sized adult needs about an ounce of sunscreen (approximately the amount needed to fill a shot glass) to uniformly cover the entire body from head to toe. However, you might be required to adjust the amount and use of sunscreen depending on your body size.

• Cover body parts like the nose, lips, ears, back of the neck, back of palms, and tops of feet.

• Re-apply the sunscreen every two hours (or more often) if you’re sweating or swimming.

• Mind your skin! Under the same sunny conditions, a fair-skinned person will absorb more sun rays than dark-skinned folks.

Other ways to protect skin from the sun

Still, wondering how to protect the skin from the sun? Besides using sunscreen, consider these tips to keep your skin protected from the sun:

• Try to stay indoors whenever possible, especially during summer. Keep indoors until the UV rays are strongest (between 10 am and 2 pm).

• In times of sun exposure wear tightly woven clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses.

• Refrain from the use of sunlamps or tanning beds.

How to choose sunscreens

While selecting a sunscreen, read the label and ensure the label says the following:

• SPF 30 (or higher):

Most dermatologists recommend the use of an SPF sunscreen rating of 30 or higher.

• Broad spectrum:

The term ‘broad spectrum’ in a sunscreen label means it protects both types the UVA and UVB harmful rays.

• Water resistant:

Another sought-after terminology of SPF sunscreen is ‘water resistant’. These sunscreens stay on sweaty and wet skin for long hours and do not need frequent re-applications.

While choosing a sunscreen for the face, keep the following points in mind:

• For acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin:

Choose a mineral-enriched sunscreen with non-comedogenic formulas. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work best on sensitive skin. Also, check for oil-free formulas for acne-prone skin.

• For dry skin:

Look for extra benefits in sunscreens for a dry face. For instance, sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and ceramides will be a better option.

• For dark skin:

People with dark skin must steer away from mineral sunscreen. If not applied properly, mineral formulas can leave whitish stains making the skin look grey!

• Sprays don’t make good sunscreen for the face:

As sprays cannot reach and cover every corner of the face, they aren’t apt sunscreens for the face. No matter how much spray sunscreen is used on the face, several sunburned spots will still appear! Lotion formulas are the best sunscreens for the face.

Conclusion

Sunscreens are an important part of a skincare regimen that must never be avoided. The use of sunscreen helps protect the skin from the dangers of the harmful UV rays that can wreak havoc on the skin!

It’s never too late to start caring for the skin, so choose the best sunscreen from Wellness Forever. You can also avail best offers, deals, and discounts on every purchase from the Wellness Forever website.