Written By Summer is here and it’s time to soak up the sun! But before you hit the beach, pool or park – don’t forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is a must-have in any summer skincare routine, but with so many options on the market it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for you. In this essential guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing and using sunscreen properly so that you can enjoy your time in the sun without getting burned. Let’s get started!
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a product that helps protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer.
There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging of the skin. They can also pass through glass, so you’re exposed to them even when you’re indoors. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. They’re also the primary cause of skin cancer.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen filters out about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. An SPF 30 sunscreen filters out about 97% of all incoming UVB rays.
Most people need an SPF of at least 15 to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. However, if you have fair skin or a history of skin cancer, you may need an SPF of 30 or higher.
In addition to choosing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, you should also look for one that provides broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
How does sunscreen work?
When it comes to sunscreen, there is a lot of confusion about how it works. Some people think that sunscreen just blocks out the sun’s rays, but that’s not the whole story. Sunscreen actually works in two ways: it reflects the sun’s rays away from your skin and it absorbs the sun’s energy.
The reflective properties of sunscreen are due to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that are found in most sunscreens. These ingredients sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun’s rays away. The problem with these ingredients is that they can be difficult to apply evenly and they can rub off easily.
The second way that sunscreen protects your skin is by absorbing the sun’s energy. The active ingredients in sunscreen, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octisalate, absorb the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and convert it into heat. This process protects your skin from damage caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Now that you know how sunscreen works, you can make sure you are using it properly. Be sure to apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed areas of skin. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating. And don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen!
What are the different types of sunscreen?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll get. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering the sun’s UV rays away from the skin.
Both types of sunscreen are effective at protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, physical sunscreens may be better for people with sensitive skin, as they don’t contain any chemicals that could potentially irritate the skin.
How to choose the right sunscreen for you
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to consider both the SPF (sun protection factor) and the active ingredients. The SPF is a measure of how well the sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. However, it is important to remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from UV rays.
There are two types of active ingredients in sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays, while physical sunscreens work by reflecting or scattering them. Both types of sunscreens are effective at protecting your skin from damage, but you may prefer one over the other depending on your individual needs.
When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to read the label carefully. Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
How to apply sunscreen properly
In order to properly apply sunscreen, you should follow these steps:
1. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and which provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Apply the sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. Make sure to use enough so that the sunscreen is visible on your skin.
3. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating profusely.
4. Use a lip balm or lip gloss with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips from sun damage.
5. Don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for extended periods of time.
Common sunscreen mistakes
One of the most common sunscreen mistakes is not applying enough. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount, which means they’re not getting the full SPF protection that they think they are.
Another common sunscreen mistake is not reapplying often enough. Even water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
People also often make the mistake of thinking that a higher SPF means they can stay in the sun longer without reapplying. However, SPF only measures the protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays. So even if you’re using a high SPF sunscreen, you still need to reapply regularly and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Finally, many people don’t realize that expired sunscreens can actually be less effective. So check the expiration date on your sunscreen and make sure you’re using it within its shelf life for optimal protection.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an important part of your skincare routine, and it’s essential to make sure you’re using the right products for your skin type. With the tips outlined in this article, you should now have a better understanding of what sunscreen is best for you and how to use it properly. Don’t forget to reapply often and wear protective clothing when possible! With these simple steps, you can protect yourself from sunburns and keep enjoying activities outdoors safely all summer long.
