7 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT SUNSCREENS

  • December 11, 2021

Summer has arrived and the scorching heat has begun! Each one of us is looking for ways to cope with the summer heat. Soothing drinks, hats, protective clothing, sunglasses, and whatnot! We all try and protect ourselves from the summer heat in one way or another. One such protective measure is the usage of sunscreens. Applying sunscreen is the best way to protect our skin from the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. The ingredients present in sunscreen will absorb the harmful rays of the sun and stop them from entering the inner layers of the skin by reflecting the radiation. Usage of sunscreen also prevents premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Read on to know some facts about sunscreens!

 

Check the sun protection factor

The SPF or Sun Protection Factor of a sunscreen determines how effective it is at blocking the UV rays of the sun. Make it a point to check the SPF of the sunscreen while purchasing it. Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher will block 97 percent of the sun’s radiation. Usually, it takes approximately 10 minutes for your skin to get tanned by the sun’s rays. But, when you apply sunscreen with SPF 30, it will extend the time for the damage caused by the sun by 30 times, i.e., there is a chance of sunburn only after 300 minutes. Thus, the higher the SPF, the higher the protection.

 

Broad-spectrum for total protection

The UV radiations from the sun include two different types of rays:

  • Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) – UVA rays cause wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.
  • Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) – UVB rays cause sunburns.

Both these rays are harmful to your skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen comes into the picture here. Only a broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect your skin from both these rays. Check for the “broad spectrum” label while purchasing sunscreen.

 

Wear your sunscreen always

It is a common misconception that sunscreen must be worn only on sunny days. This is false! Even on cloudy days or winter, the sun’s rays cause the same damage to your skin as on sunny days. The moment you are outdoors, you are exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Even water, snow, and sand reflect the sun’s rays onto your skin. Thus, make it a point to apply sunscreen whenever you step out, irrespective of the climate.

 

Reapplication is as important as the application

Yes! you heard it right! Applying sunscreen just once before you leave your house is not enough to protect your skin. While you do different activities outdoors such as walking, running, playing, or swimming, your sunscreen might run off at some point in time. Hence, it is advisable to reapply your sunscreen every two hours you are exposed to the sun. Make sure you keep your sunscreen handy whenever you step out of your house.

 

Apply the right quantity

People commonly do not apply enough sunscreen to ensure that they are fully protected. For optimal coverage, most people require around an ounce. People with unusually huge or small bodies may require slightly more or less. Always use sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body. Also include places such as your ears, neck, and the tips of your feet, which are sometimes disregarded. Protect your lips by applying a lip balm with sunscreen. Burns and cancer are a threat to them as well.

 

Can be used by everyone

The people with fair skin are the ones who are most prone to sunburn. UV radiation protection is required even for people with darker skin tones. People with darker skin may have a harder time detecting skin cancer until it has progressed to the later stages. For babies, things are a little different. It is advisable to keep infants younger than six months away from the sun’s rays. If there isn’t any shade, some doctors believe it’s fine to use a tiny amount of sunscreen on just the exposed portions of the baby’s skin. Consult your doctor about what is best for your child.

 

Sunscreen alone is insufficient.

The use of sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to avoid sun exposure. That is when the sun is the brightest and most dangerous. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. If you’ll be outside for an extended period, dress in long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Even then, apply sunscreen to exposed parts. Wearing garments made of fabric with built-in sun protection is another alternative.

Keep these points in mind while you use your sunscreen the next time. Get to know more about sunscreens and other ways to protect and maintain your skin by consulting with the beauty experts at Cucumba Hair & Beauty Family Salon.