Overview
Indian summers are hot, and we consume foods that can help tackle the heat. However, we forget that our skin is the first organ that can get affected due to the hot scorching heat.
Sunscreen is important to protect our skin from the sun. The skin is the first organ to get damaged due to harmful ultraviolet radiation. It can lead to pigmentation, discolouration, sunburns and wrinkles. Even during a cloudy day, the skin is susceptible to burn. So always have sunscreen handy.
What is SPF?
SPF is a sun protection factor. The SPF factor tells you how long the sun’s ultraviolet rays would take to damage your skin.
People confuse themself with SPF numbers. For example, sunscreen with SPF 15 will give protection for 15 hours. However, it is not true. SPF is not the time of exposure to the sun but the amount of solar exposure.
The intensity of the sun’s exposure can differ depending on the timing. For example,
One hour of exposure between 9 am and
15 minutes of exposure to the sun at 1 pm
Exposure to the sun in the morning will not cause skin damage compared to exposure to the sun at 1 pm in the afternoon. The solar intensity can also differ depending on the geographic location.
The SPF will also depend on the intensity of the solar exposure, skin type and duration. According to experts, SPF 15 sunscreen is recommended before going out in the sun. Applying the proper amount of sunscreen is also important. 2mg/cm2 of skin and reapply after every 2 hours.
Some may apply only after the amount of the required sunscreen. In such cases, the sunscreen will not provide proper protection.
A sunscreen with various SPF and its blocking capacity of solar energy is explained below.
- SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB.
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB.
- SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB.
For example, SPF 15 will allow 7 out of 100 photons and sunscreen with SPF 30 will allow 3 out of 100 photons.
There are various factors that can affect solar radiation. SPF does not reflect the time in the sun without getting burnt. It is a measure of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens.
How much sunscreen do I need?
The requirement for sunscreen will depend on the skin tone. A fair-skinned person is likely to absorb more solar energy than a dark-skinned person under the same circumstances.
The amount of sunscreen applied will have an impact on the amount of solar energy absorbed. However, more sunscreen does not mean that the radiation effect will be less. It is important to apply the correct amount of sunscreen at regular intervals.
As time passes, the sunscreen can wear off and become less effective. The sweat from the body can wash away the sunscreen. So re-application is crucial. The re-application frequency will also depend on the person’s activity. If you are under the sun at 1 pm in the afternoon, then your re-application frequency should be every half an hour. If you are exposed to the morning sun at 9 am, you can re-apply every two hours.
How to buy a sunscreen
Choose your sunscreen depending on the exposure to the sun. For daily use, sunscreen with SPF 30 would do the job. If your sun exposure is more, choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 or greater.
However, reapplication of sunscreen is important to reap the product's full benefits.
Are mineral sunscreens better?
The sunscreen available in the markets is categorised into two types mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreen will have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
A chemical sunscreen will have ingredients like octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone and other fillers.
Both types of sunscreen will work in the same way. Sometimes, chemical sunscreen can cause a sting on their skin. People having sensitive skin can use mineral sunscreen.
The downside of mineral sunscreen is that they leave traces of white cast on the skin. Apart from that, all sunscreens work for their purpose.
Do I really need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day?
Re-application of sunscreen is recommended as the applied sunscreen will be washed away by body fluids.
If you go for a swim, apply sunscreen after the activity. If you are working indoors, then re-application is not required.
But when you step out be mindful of the application. However, no sunscreen can give 100% protection. So always have sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat or a small cloth to protect against the sun.
5 Benefits of applying sunscreen
Sunscreen application can help protect against sunburns and also prevents pigmentation. Other reasons for you to apply sunscreen are listed here.
Reduce the Risk of Sunburn
The major advantage of applying sunscreen is to protect your skin from sunburns. Your skin can get burnt even after spending a few minutes in the sun.
Going out without applying sunscreen can lead to tans, and constant exposure can cause skin cancer, premature wrinkling and other skin diseases.
These damages can be avoided by applying sunscreen. If you have burns and blisters, consult a dermatologist.
Prevent the Signs of ageing
Repeated exposure to the sun with no sunscreen can lead to damage to the elastin, skin cells and collagen. This can lead to premature signs of ageing like wrinkles, discolouration, fine lines and a leathery appearance of the skin.
So application of sunscreen slows down the ageing signs due to exposure to the sun. If you tend to spend time outdoors for a long time, sunscreen application is recommended.
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
Prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to skin cancer. The harmful sun's rays can damage the skin cells and lead to tanning beds. Sunscreen protects the skin and prevent abnormal multiplication of the skin cells.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. If you get yourself exposed to the sun for a long time, consider using higher-level SPF.
Prevent Skin Discolouration
Skin discolouration is uneven skin tone and can be caused by exposure to the sun without protection. The areas where discolouration has occurred due to sun exposure are called sun spots or liver spots.
Irrespective of the skin tone, a sunspot can make the skin brown. Discolouration is common in the head, hands, arms and face. It can affect both men and women.
Applying sunscreen can prevent such discolouration and give an even skin tone. Sunscreen also protects the cells under the skin.
Reduce Inflammation
Prolonged exposure of the skin to the sun can lead to inflammation of the skin cells. This inflammation can be painful and can cause redness in the skin.
People with other skin conditions like psoriasis are most affected due to exposure to direct sun. If you have sensitive skin, try sunscreen that contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Avoid spray-on-sunscreens as they may contain harmful ingredients like alcohol. These ingredients can make the skin dry and further cause irritation and inflammation.
Sunscreen ingredients and types
A usual sunscreen will contain physical ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients will block and scatter the UV rays before they can penetrate.
A chemical sunscreen ingredient will contain avobenzone and octisalate. These ingredients will absorb UV rays like a sponge before they can damage the skin.
How to choose sunscreen?
Choosing the correct sunscreen for your skin type can be challenging. The trial-error method will not work for all when it comes to sunscreen. So here is a list of tips on how to choose sunscreen.
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will give protection against UVA and UVB rays.
SPF is essential for sunscreen. If your exposure to the sun is less and you only go out for a walk or drive to work, then an SPF 15 would be good. However, if your exposure to the sun is for long periods, then you prefer using an SPF 30 or greater.
Water-resistant and very water-resistant are meant for swimming or intense activities. Water-resistant sunscreen can be effective for up to 40 minutes, whereas very water-resistant will be effective for up to 80 minutes.
How to apply sunscreen?
We all would have been applying sunscreen. But most of us would not be applying it correctly.
Squeeze enough sunscreen in your hand and apply thoroughly to your face, neck, ears, legs and hands. Most adults will require about an ounce of sunscreen. So apply to all the skin that is exposed to the sun.
If you are engaged in intense activities, frequently apply sunscreen to protect your skin from getting burnt.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is vital to protect your skin from getting affected by harmful rays. It can effectively block the sun’s rays and protect the skin.
Additionally, it can prevent inflammation of the skin cells and discolouration. Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can lead to harmful consequences like skin cancer. So choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin and remember to use it when you go out in the sun.
Sunscreen will alone not be able to give 100% protection. So wear proper clothes during the summer season.
