One of the greatest—and simplest—methods to safeguard the health and beauty of your skin at any age is to wear sunscreen. When applied frequently, sunscreen helps fend off sunburn, skin cancer, and early aging.
What is SPF?
The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen indicates its capacity to ward off UVB rays, a particular type of ultraviolet radiation. Sunburns and skin cancer are caused by UVB radiation. Two further types of UV light exist: UVA rays, which cause skin aging and cancer, and UVC rays, which are not able to cross the earth’s atmosphere. Broad spectrum sunscreens shield the skin from UVB and UVA radiation.
What sunscreen should I buy?
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use. Use a sunscreen with SPF 60 or higher if you spend a lot of time outside. Since most people don’t apply sunscreen as often as they should, this greater SPF helps make up for the lack of application.
How much sunscreen do I need?
Approximately one ounce of sunscreen is required to protect your face, neck, arms, and legs. One ounce of sunscreen is sufficient to cover your palm completely when squeezed into your hand.
You’ll need around a half teaspoon to protect your neck and face.
Should sunscreen come before or after other products?
It doesn’t matter what sequence you apply your skin care products in as long as the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and at least SPF 30. For some people, working with bare skin—that is, without makeup or moisturizer—is the easiest. Determine what suits your routine the most.
See your dermatologist if you have any questions regarding layering particular products.
Does makeup with SPF work?
Even with a high SPF, makeup is insufficient to protect your skin. For you to achieve the indicated SPF, a lot more makeup would be required than you usually wear.
Are mineral sunscreens better?
Sunscreens are commonly classified into two groups: mineral and chemical. Ingredients included in chemical sunscreens include homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, and octocrylene. Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Chemical and mineral sunscreens function in a similar way, absorbing UV rays and converting their energy into very little heat. A tiny quantity of UV light is also reflected by mineral sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens may sting certain people. Mineral sunscreen might be a better option if you frequently react to cosmetics or have sensitive skin. The drawback of mineral sunscreens is that, especially on skin of color, they frequently produce a pronounced white cast.
If not, it’s a matter of preference. The sunscreen that you will reach for every day is the greatest one.
Do I really need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day?
Reapplying sunscreen is generally advised every two hours, particularly after swimming or perspiring.
You might not require a second program if you work indoors and keep your desk away from windows. But pay attention to how often you go outside. Just in case, have an extra bottle of sunscreen on your desk. Taking a quick walk during lunchtime may pose a threat to your skin.
Remember that there is no perfect sunscreen. When feasible, find shade and wear protective gear like sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and other items of apparel.
How To Care For Sunburn
In the event that you do get sunburned, you should start treatment right once. Similar to conventional burn injuries, sunburns are ranked according to the degree of skin damage they cause. Blisters or fluid from the blisters are usually indicative of a major burn, therefore you should get medical help right away. On the other hand, relaxation and at-home treatments will relieve your discomfort and repair any damage if your skin is just superficially red or pink.
To begin treating your sunburn, use these natural remedies:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs can aid in the reduction of pain and swelling.
- Use a moist, cold compress to cool the area and ease the burning feeling
- To stay hydrated, consume a lot of water and other liquids.
- To relieve the burn, use cool baths.
- To reduce discomfort and moisturize the affected region, apply lotions and ointments that contain menthol, camphor, or aloe. Additional comfort will also come from refrigerating the creams.
When you get a sunburn, try to keep the affected area out of the sun as it heals and cover it when you’re outside.
With so many alternatives available, selecting a sunscreen might be confusing. However, you should look for a broad-spectrum product with an SPF that is high enough to protect your skin all day.
