Facts About Sunscreens!

Hey everyone! How are you all doing????Hopefully fine. Here I am with a very informative post about sunscreens. I have been doing a lot of research lately to find almost everything about sunscreens and so here I am with all the vital info that I could gather! I really hope that this post will benefit all of us!

Sunscreens

Sunscreens

WHAT IS AN SPF AND IT'S ROLE?
SPF is Sun Protection Factor that ranges from 2 to as high as 50 and it is the capability to provide a screen or block from the harmful ray's of the sun. However, it's a misconception that higher the SPF greater the protection. A higher SPF number doesn't mean it's going to provide you better or longer protection! The protection gets slightly higher with increase in the SPF number. The actual fact is no sunscreen can provide you with complete protection. Now, in order to achieve  maximum protection look for a sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB. 

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING UVA AND UVB PROTECTION IN YOUR SUNSCREEN?
UVB are the sun burning rays and on the other hand UVA are the rays that cause skin ageing, wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots,skin cancer, tanning etc. SPF rating only applies to UVB protection hence, it's extremely important for you to select a sunscreen that not only provides you with protection against UVB but also UVA radiation! Select a sunscreen that is "broad-spectrum" as this factor of the sunscreen provides protection against UVB and UVA as well! *There is no FDA-approved rating system for UVA radiation yet. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUNSCREEN AND SUNBLOCK
SUNSCREENS are usually colorless and retain a thin film on the skin. On the contrary, SUNBLOCKS contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that physically block ultraviolet radiation and provide both UVA and UVB protection. However, sunblocks are cosmetically not acceptable as they are messy, noticeable and do not easily wash off.


HOW SHOULD YOU APPLY SUNSCREEN?

• You should apply sunscreen 20-30 mins before stepping out in the sun and the major reason behind this is it takes 20-30 mins for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin.
• Apply generously all over your face, neck, hands, arms, legs and the areas exposed. 
• Always remember to reapply sunscreen after every 2 hours.
• Reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming, towel drying and excessive sweating to ensure protection.
• Sunscreen should be applied all around the year as 80% of UV rays penetrate through clouds even on cloudy days.
• Don't forget to protect your lips as they can also sunburn, apply a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.
• If you stay near sunny windows don't ever think you do not require a sunscreen as UVB cannot pass through glass, however UVA can and these rays cause severe damage to the collagen resulting in premature aging and wrinkles.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "WATER RESISTANT" AND "WATER PROOF" SUNSCREENS

• WATER RESISTANT- are those sunscreens that provide protection for about 40 mins  in water after which they need to be reapplied.
• WATER PROOF- are those sunscreens that provide 80 mins of protection in water and needs to be reapplied.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING SUNSCREEN

• PA++ factor is essential in a sunscreen, if a sunscreen doesn't have a PA++ factor then the sunscreen won't provide you with UVA protection which is very important!
• An SPF of 30 or above is also crucial.
• A sunscreen that is non-comedogenic.

IMPORTANCE OF USING SUNSCREENS

• Protection against harmful radiations of the sun.
• Minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
• Prevents sunburn.
• A sunscreen with UVA filter protects against premature ageing  wrinkles.
• Prevents tanning if applied properly and after every 2 hours.

WHAT TO DO TO KEEP YOURSELF PROTECTED APART FROM USING SUNSCREENS?

• Wear protective clothing that almost covers up your body.
• Avoid going out when the sun's rays are strongest from 10.00 am -2.00 pm.
• Wear sun glasses to protect your eyes.
• Get Vitamin D through healthy and well balanced diet, don't seek the sun.