The Secrets of Sunscreen

 

In the realm of skincare, few elements are as essential as sunscreen.

 It’s a cosmetic product that doubles as a potent shield, safeguarding your skin from premature aging, sunburns, and the risk of skin cancer.

In today’s article, we'll delve into the nuances of sunscreen, like SPF, UVA and UVB, amd why they’re important. We’ll also chop up some myths about this skincare agent along the way.

SPF: More Than Just a Number

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a key metric when choosing sunscreen. 

A lot of people believe that an SPF number measures the strength of your sunscreen, but it’s actually a measure of how long it lasts, too.

 As an example, if your skin typically burns after 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF 30 sunscreen would protect you for up to to 300 minutes.

Theoretically, at least.

If you’re the sweaty type or it’s a particularly hot day, you might still need to reapply your sunscreen at least once every 3 hours.

UVA and UVB: The Dual Threat of Sun Damage

The sun is a wonderful force of nature. From it plants and animals receive life, and without it our world would be nothing but a cold, dark rock.

The sun is also a deadly laser.

It emits two types of ultraviolet rays that are harmful to life; UVA and UVB.

UVA rays are terrible. They penetrate your skin, cause premature aging by removing all the essential liquids under your skin and damaging cells, and can cause long-term damage. Not to mention wrinkles.

And if you thought UVB would be better, you’d be wrong. It’s directly responsible for skin cancer. It’s also directly responsible for sunburn. The entire reason sunscreens were made was to stop UVBs. A good skin oil can hold back UVAs for a while.

However, given today’s rate of global warming, it’s advisable to have a sunscreen that shields against both. As the ozone layer depletes, more ultraviolet rays permeate our atmosphere, so whether you’re into skincare or not, it’s advisable to use sunscreen daily.

As an aside, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to buy sunscreen that was specifically made for sensitive skin. While it might be slightly rarer and a bit more on the expensive side, it’s a small price to pay for a cream that doesn’t peel or irritate your skin.

Application

Proper application is as crucial as selecting the right sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously, covering every bit of skin the sun could possibly shine on.

Don’t apply it too generously, though. It’s sunscreen, not body cream. If it’s cream you’re looking for, go and buy Vaseline.

 And when applying sunscreen, don’t forget overlooked areas like ears, the back of the neck, and the top of your feet. 

For your face, use a facial sunscreen where possible. Be sure to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re wearing makeup. A coin-sized amount for the face and about triple that amount for the body are fair amounts to use.

MythBusters

A common myth of sunscreen is that it’s only necessary to apply on sunny days.

But let’s be logical. If ultraviolet rays can literally go through solid skin, what makes you believe it can’t just go through clouds?

Another myth is that dark-skinned people don’t need sunscreen. While darker skin tones have more natural protection (and we thank God for Melanin), it’s still susceptible to skin cancer.

So, again, at least buy a sunscreen to be safe.

A third and final myth is that you only need sunscreen when you’re going outdoors. 

While ultraviolet rays aren’t strong enough to get through walls, they can permeate windows.

 If you’re in a well-ventilated home and the sun shines through your windows, you should still apply some sunscreen everyday.

Besides, you never know when you’ll need to go out to attend to an emergency. It’s advisable to always apply some sunscreen at least once a day, regardless of where you are.

Sunscreen is a hero in today’s world of skincare. It defends your skin against the dangers of ultraviolet rays, makes your skin look more moisturised, and protects against sunburn as a bonus.

Knowing the nuances of sunscreen would help you out the next time you’re buying skincare products. Be sure to look up the best sort of sunscreen for your skin, as well. Remember that this is all a part of taking good care of your skin, which in turn is taking good care of yourself.

And you should always take care of yourself.