How to Get Full Benefit
|
What is Sunscreen?
It is any material that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation of sun rays and are available in many forms namely:
- cream, lotion, gel, ointment or spray for the skin
- stick or salve that can be used on eyelids, nose or lips
- towellete to wipe the body
- sunglasses to protect the eyes
- film affixed to windows of cars, room and office
How does Sunscreen Works?
These cream or lotions can be broadly classified according to its active ingredients:
- Chemical (sometimes called organic) filters works by absorbing UV radiation. The active ingredients are PABA, PABA esters, salicylates, cinnamates and benzophenones.
- Physical (sometimes called inorganic) filters works by physically blocking or reflecting the UV radiation. The two most common active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Especially useful for people that are allergic to chemical filters.
Which Sunscreen to Use?
Sun protection product now comes in many varieties and several factors should be considered when selecting a product that will give you the necessary protection.Choose a broad-spectrum sun shield that protects you against both UVB as well as UVA radiation - that penetrates deeper into the skin and cause premature aging to the skin and wrinkles.
Some of the active ingredients used to shield UVA radiation are:
- oxybensone
- sulisobenzone
- Parsol 1789 also called avobenzone
Active ingredients to shield UVB radiation are:
- PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid
- PABA esters such as padimate A and padimate O
- salicylates
- cinnamates
Choose a product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or greater. If you have fair skin and sunburn easily select one with a higher SPF to provide more protection. Whether use a cream, lotion, gel, ointment or spray is a matter of preference.
If you are going to spend the whole day in the sun like at the beach or working outside, it is recommended that you use a product with SPF 30 or more and remember with UVA protection.
What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?
SPF is the ability of the product to screen or shield out the harmful UV radiation of the sun.
More on Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
When Should You Use Sunscreen?
As recommended by American Academy of Dermatology, it should be used daily if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes, not just during the summer or at the beach. If you have sensitive skin consult your doctor.Use a water-resistant product if you sweat heavily or while swimming. The FDA of USA considers a product very water-resistant if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water. If it maintains only for 40 minutes then it is considered water-resistant.
How to Use Sunscreen?
For best results be sure to adhere to the instructions on the product label by using the recommended amount. Also observe the waiting period between application and exposure to the sun - this will allow it to soak in and take effect, this is usually about 30 minutes.
Most product required to be reapplied about every 2 hours for best protection. If you are sweating or swimming reapply frequently to get the requires protection. Take note that it usually get wiped off when you towel dry.
Many studies have shown that majority of people do not apply sufficient amount and therefore do not get the specified protection. Also cover exposed areas generously, including ears, nose, the tops of feet and backs of knees.
Remember that the purpose of using sunscreens is not to prolong your stay in the sun, but to protect the exposed parts of your body that are at risk to the sun rays
Take a QUIZ! Is sun protection necessary during the winter? YES or NO?The answer is YES! UV radiation though not as intense during the winter, still poses a threat especially when UV rays reflect or bounce off snow. Snow surface can reflect as much as 80% of the UV radiation.
Return to 1ST-SUNPROTECTION-GUIDE.COM from Sunscreen
