Sun exposure can cause skin, eye and hair damage, premature aging and skin cancer. There are a few ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays: wearing protecting clothes and sunglasses, keeping out of the sun during the peak hours (from 10am to 3pm) and always wearing sunscreen. Here are some facts you need to know about sunscreen:
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a substance that protects the skin by reflecting, absorbing and scattering UV radiation to prevent it from harming the skin. Sunscreen is available in many forms: lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sticks and sprays. Most moisturizers, lip balms and other cosmetics now provide UV protection as well.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a number (15, 30, 50) that indicates how long a sunscreen is effective on the skin. It is calculated by comparing the lenght of time required to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin and the time required to cause sunburn on unprotected skin. To know how long your sunscreen is effective simply multiply the SPF factor by the amount of time it takes you to burn. For example, if it takes you 10 minutes to burn without using protection, and you apply a sunscreen with a SPF 15, you will be protected for 150 minutes.
Different kinds of sunscreen
Some sunscreens protect only against UVB rays, while others protect from both UVA and UVB rays and are therefore classified as “broad spectrum” and recommended for everyone.
Physical sunscreens use mineral pigments, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxyde, to reflect and scatter UV radiation.
Chemical sunscreens use use synthetic agents that act as filters and reduce UV rays penetration to the skin.
How to apply sunscreen
Always apply sunscreen half and hour before going outside. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re staying outdoors for a long period of time. A common mistake is to apply too little sunscreen. An average body needs about 35 ml of sunscreen. Remember to apply the sunscreen to every part of your body that might be exposed to sunlight.
Is sunscreen necessary in the winter?
Yes. You need to apply sunscreen everyday even if it is raining, snowing, cloudy and during winter. UV rays can penetrate clouds and fog and get reflected on snow.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Gio,
Very well-written article! I love physical sunblock more as it’s more stable.
Hi Gio,
I need to wear mine more often!
Taking tablets with PABA in activates the melanin in your skin, you skin’s natural defence against sunlight. It’s great during the summer because it makes your skin more likely to tan rather than burn, which is good news for any fair-skinned people :3
I don’t know about the states but here tan tablets cost about $6 for 100, and have a lot of PABA in them.
Dao: thank you. I prefer them too for the same reason.
Lydia: you should always wear it! I always use either a moisturizer or foundation with SPF and in the summer sunscreen on my body.
Anastasia: thanks for the info, I’ll probably try them. I usually try to keep out of the sun because my skin is very fair and burns so easily!
Sadly, the only SPF I get is on my foundation, which may be the reason my face is lighter than my neck? HAHA. And yea, also bust out the SPF 70 when I go to the beach!! Hope you don’t mind me linking you to my blog ;]
Jessica: Of course I don’t mind. I’m glad to know you’re using sunscreen. At the moment I’m only using a foundation with spf as well, I don’t ned more cos the weather is so cold here now.