Know how to use sunscreen creams correctly


HomeSkin CosmeticsSunscreens and Training

Protection with Sunscreens

A sunscreen is the best defense against sun damage. People love to be outdoors – basking in the warm wintry sun or getting a nice tan, walking, gardening, golfing, fishing, trekking, yachting and what have you.

While the sun does loads of good to the skin, too much of it for too long can lead to skin damage. A sunscreen can give the necessary protection the skin needs to guard against the harsh and harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

A good amount of sunscreen applied, along with other protection such as a hat, are best to keep the skin safe. Especially in the sweltering summer months.

A sunscreen shields the skin from the UV radiation that causes skin cancer. Its agents either neutralize the UV radiation or reflect it. It helps prevent your skin from getting a wrinkled and weathered look.

To prevent sun damage it is imperative to take certain precautions.
Precautions
  • Apply sunscreen liberally all over the face and the exposed areas like the hands, arms and neck. It needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. Apply it half an hour before you plan to go outdoors as it is more effective when absorbed and this takes time. A sunscreen should have an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 or higher. Reapply it after every two hours.
  • It will be beneficial if you avoid going out in the sun during the middle of the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The rays of the sun are strongest during this time. If your work doesn’t allow you to stay indoors, wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For playing sports, the sunscreen needs to be sweat proof as well as waterproof.
  • People tend to ignore sunscreen on cloudy days. You should keep in mind that even on cloudy days the harmful ultraviolet rays of sun can harm your skin. Reapply sunscreen as needed after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
  • It is important to take special care of children. Never leave them playing out in the sun without adequate protection. Over-exposure to the sun early in life can lead to skin cancer later.
  • Apart from sunscreens, take extra precautions like wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and UV-protective sunglasses and drink plenty of fluids.
Tips to choose sunscreen
  • First of all, check out the sun protection factor. SPF 15 is sufficient in most situations. But if your work is such that you have to stay outdoors for a long period or if you're vacationing at a place with intense sunlight; a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is best for you.
  • Make sure you buy a sunscreen which is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. A sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic so that it doesn't cause a rash or clog the pores, which in turn can cause acne.
  • A sunscreen is a chemical agent that makes the UV light wavelengths incapable of causing any damage to the skin. On the other hand, a sun block acts as a wall to prevent sunlight from reaching the skin. People who want maximum protection should choose a sun block.

Sun damage can happen in any weather be it Summer, Autumn or Winter. So use a sunscreen from renowned organic skincare or professional skin care products manufacturer regularly and not just on special outings.