You mostly spend summertime outdoors. Whether you like lounging next to the pool, lying on the beach or enjoying a picnic, you’re vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, making skincare an absolute must.
We take a look at how sunscreen works, while demonstrating just how important suncare is.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a product comprising either organic or inorganic ingredients that either reflect or absorb the sun’s damaging UV rays before reaching your skin. Sunscreen can be found in many different formulas such as creams, sprays, gels and waxes.
How does sunscreen work?
Certain inorganic sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which physically block sun rays. These chemical particles have been designed to be much smaller (too small for the human eye) which is why modern sunscreens are transparent.
Organic sunscreens contain materials like avobenzone or oxybenzone which absorb sun rays and break it down.
UVB vs UVA radiation explained
Sunlight that reaches the earth is made up of two types of harmful rays: UVA (refers to long wave ultraviolet rays) and UVB (short wave ultraviolet).
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging, age spots and can increase your chances of contracting certain types of skin cancers. UVB rays cause severe sunburn and redness on your skin and further put you at risk of developing skin cancer.
What is SPF?
You’ve probably seen that big number printed on a sunscreen bottle. This refers to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of your sunscreen. This shows the level of the sunscreen protection against UVB rays. Many sunscreens carrying the label “broad spectrum block’ protect against both UVA and UVB. However, there’s currently no rating for protection against UVA.
It’s recommended that people make skincare a priority, especially during summertime by wearing an SPF of between 15 and 50 for effective sun protection.
The number of SPF refers to the amount of time it will take for a person to turn red while being exposed to the sun. For example, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will prevent your skin from turning red for roughly 30 times longer than it usually would. This means that, if it takes you 10 minutes to turn red, then after applying a 30 SPF, it will take you approximately 300 minutes before turning red.
Because sunblock is easily removed after swimming or towel-drying, it’s recommended that you reapply sunscreen every two hours. It’s also best to wear a hat and sunglasses and cover up as much as possible to avoid sun exposure.
Organic vs inorganic products
Inorganic sunblock products have recently come under fire for containing ingredients that can cause skin damage. These harmful ingredients can possibly be absorbed through your skin. Some studies have even suggested that inorganic products can cause skin cancer.
Easy sunburn treatment
Apply over-the-counter aloe products to skin
Either apply after-sun products or take a cold shower or bath to soothe your skin
Take ibuprofen or aspirin to ease the pain
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
To avoid infection, don’t break blisters