It is important for you to know if you spent most of your time outdoor that all sun rays are not good. There are intense ultraviolet rays which are invisible and can cause skin cancer. You can be able to protect your skin with sunscreen. The UV light is scattered by sunscreen. Ultraviolet A, Ultraviolet B and Ultraviolet C are three divisions of UV. You can have physical as well as chemical protection from UV light with sunscreen.
Physical Sunscreen
Opaque film is formed by physical sunscreen to reflect or scatter UV. There is titanium oxide and zinc oxide used in the sunscreens to provide protection against UVA and UVB. It is available in white formulation when applied to skin.
Chemical Sunscreen
Ultraviolet rays are absorbed by chemical sunscreens. These sunscreens have ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone which can absorb UVA and UVB. There is mexoryl in newer outer the counter sunscreen which can prodide protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
Why should use sunscreen?
You should use sunscreen if you spent most of time outdoors even with darker skin. You can tolerate sun exposure for longer period without burning. The sun rays can penetrate the skin deeply regardless pf skin type. These rays damage the DNA of skin cells which can lead to ski cancer. Children should take extra care to prevent harmful sun rays. You should keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight.
What is an SPF?
SPF is sun protection factor and it is basically measurement of UVB protection. There can be greater protection with higher SPF number. There is no standard rating for UVA protection. If sunscreen with SPF 30 is used instead of SPF 15 then it will not mean that you can stay twice long in sun. about 93% of UVB rays are filtered by SPF of 15 and 97% of UVB rays are filtered with SPF 30. the over time is decreased with beneficial effects of sunscreen. You should not rely on sunscreen to stay in sun. it might take 24 hours for fully developed sunburn.
Different factors like your skin type, type of sunscreen and time of sunscreen use and intensity of UV rays will determine the protection of your sunscreen. The sunscreen can become less effective with high humidity, drying, sweating, rubbing skin with towel, and swimming.
What you should look for when buying sunscreen?
All sunscreen are not same. You should select sunscreen with SPF of 15. there can be greater protection with broad spectrum products. You should look for added ingredients to irritate your skin. There are preservatives, fragrances and other ingredients included in sunscreen which can cause skin reaction. If you have sensitive skin then these ingredients should not be used. You should choose water resistant sunscreens which can offer more protection against water. These sunscreens should not be water proof as well as sun block. You should not use products which don’t actually contain sunscreens.
How much sunscreen is necessary and how often should it be applied?
You should use one ounce of in shot glass to exposed parts of body. You should use one fourth if you have bottle of four ounce. You should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out for maximum protection.
Is sunscreen enough to protect your skin?
Sunscreen can provide protection but it can not block all UV rays. Therefore you should not replace sunscreen with other protective measures. You should avoid going outdoor between 10 a.m to 4 p.m because sun rays are strongest at this time. Always cover up with some clothing when you are going out and it is good for you to use sunscreen frequently.
