The first time I bought sunscreen I went for SPF 50 even though I didn't really understand what it meant, I guess I just loved the idea of a high SPF. I used to think that the amount of SPF indicated the amount of protection my sunscreen provided which I now know is wrong.
Before I go further lets break down the acronyms of sun protection first, because most of us don't really know what they mean.
- SPF - Sun Protection Factor-standard protection one can get while exposed to direct sunlight
- UVA - Ultra Violet A (long wave)-responsible for premature aging
- UVB - Ultra Violet B (short wave)-responsible for sunburn and cataract
SPF GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF HOW LONG YOU CAN STAY PROTECTED WHILE EXPOSED TO THE SUN.
For example:
SPF 15 gives you 150 Minutes (2 and a half hours) of standard protection which means if you are in direct sunlight for extended periods you will have to reapply your sunscreen after 2 and a half hours or so.
SPF 30 = 5 hours
SPF 50 = 8 and 1/2 hours and so on
Therefore its important to be aware of your SPF and exactly when you applied it so as to keep reapplying if you are to remain exposed to the sun for a while. Don't be fooled when it comes to sunscreen, the key goal it to keep re applying it to get maximum protection and its wiser to apply it prior to exposure maybe 30-15 minutes before you go out into the sunlight.
If you don't use sun screen because your beauty product has added sunscreen you are doing it wrong, sun screen in your beauty products is not enough you still need to apply sunscreen for maximum protection. Purge your old sunscreen for maximum protect as they tend to loose value over usage or they just expire like any other product be sure to check the expiry date of your sun screen.
Some sunscreens brands say they are "water proof" and this is deceiving because its not entirely true, as you sweat or swim some of the sunscreen is lost.
Key word to look for when buying your sun screen is "BROAD SPECTRUM PROTECTION" as this means it protects us from both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are the strongest as they can pass easily through clouds and clothing, they are also responsible for aging and skin cancer.
UVB rays cause sunburn,cataracts and they also contribute to skin cancer.
Some people only think of sunscreen during spring and summer but that should not be the case as it has to be worn all year out. Do not mix sunscreen with your moisturizer as this weakens the protection factor it has. And just because you wearing sunscreen doesn't mean you shouldn't wear hats and glasses. Just make sure your sunglasses have UVA and B rays protection to protect your eyes from getting cataracts.
Its hot and people expose more skin because of this but do try by all means to wear long sleeved clothing to minimize exposure if its possible.
For example
- long pants and a short sleeved top and vise versa
- a summer dress and an umbrella or a wide hat
When driving do apply sun screen because sun rays do penetrate through glass too.
Bottom line is we need the sun in our day to day activities but we can't ignore the harmful factors it also brings therefore its only wise to prevent and protect ourselves from the harmful rays. Buy your children some too they need it, stay away from the sun when its at its peak, stay under the shade,invest in an umbrella if you don't own one, re apply sunscreen frequently, protect every exposed area, yes even your ears are important. I promise you your skin will thank you in the long run.
I spend my precious time researching and writing great articles for you guys therefore your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you.
Happy reading :)
No comments:
Post a Comment