Your skin is the largest organ in your body and the most exposed. Thus it is only wise that you treat it with the best care. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, and UVA rays cause premature skin aging, age spots, and wrinkles. Overexposure to UVA and UVB rays make you more prone to skin cancer. If you haven’t already, you should start investing in a daily regimen of UV Protective Daily Moisturiser. Here are some things to know about skin protection.
Does SPF Matter?
Yes. Sun Protection Factor matters. SPF indicates how strong a filter your sunscreen is. While a 15 SPF can block UVB rays by roughly 93 percent, dermatologists highly recommend sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, which can block UVB rays by roughly 97 percent.
When spending extra time outdoors, skin experts suggest that you apply an ample coating of SPF 30 sunscreen a good half hour before sun exposure, with a religious reapplication every two hours. When swimming, it is recommended that you reapply protection each time you emerge from the water.
Skin Type is Important When Choosing Sunscreen
Even with oily skin or acne-prone skin, you can still use sunscreen without fearing breakouts or triggers. Grab a non-comedogenic variant that poses no risk in blocking your pores.
If you have dry skin, sunscreen with moisturizer is necessary.
Sensitive skin demands a mineral or physical sunscreen that doesn’t sting or burn because an application remains seated on top of your skin. This type usually features titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its main ingredient. The only drawback to expect from wearing physical sunscreen is that it may leave more white residue. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen can be applied more easily and leaves less white residue. However, it can cause skin irritation and is thus not recommended for those with sensitive skin.
More Sun Safety Measures
In addition to a religious application and reapplication of your chosen UV Protective Daily Moisturiser, there are more ways than one to shield your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
- Avoid extreme sun exposure. Best if you stay indoors or under a shade during the hottest times of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- If you must venture out under the sun– perhaps for golfing, gardening, or some other outdoor activity — wear long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- When swimming, wear UV or sun-protection swimwear.
- Steer clear of indoor tanning beds that can also cause eye cancer, skin cancer, and even cataracts.
Does It Matter If I Choose Gel, Stick, Lotion, or Spray Sunscreen?
Dermatologists claim that the manner and form of sunscreen you choose are all about personal preference. In other words, so long as you’re using sunscreen right, it doesn’t matter much if your preference comes in gel, stick, lotion, or spray form. Ideally, the amount of sunscreen to be used for the expanse of your exposed skin should be an ounce, which is roughly as large as a golf ball or a shot glassful. As for your face, apply a dollop the size of a nickel, remembering to reapply religiously every two hours. Now, in the case of sunscreen sprays, it should be sprayed onto your hands and applied evenly onto your face.