One of the greatest and simplest ways to safeguard the health and beauty of your skin at any age is to use sunscreen. Regular use of sunscreen aids in avoiding sunburn, skin cancer, and early ageing.

Mind you, even when you are indoors, you are not safe from the ageing and burning effects of the sun. So yes, we still have to wear our sunscreen! These are the important things you have to know before you dive in the world of sunscreen.

If you are wondering why you have red skin after spending time under the sun, that red skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone, and it doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have done other UV damage. However, the other form of UV damage is longer lasting and more permanent.

Another type of radiation, UVA radiation, penetrates the skin deeper and increases the risk of some skin cancers, premature ageing, age spots, and premature wrinkling.

What is a sunscreen?

A sunscreen is a skincare product that contains physical or chemical ingredients that will block the sun’s UV rays from reaching the depths of your skin.

What does SPF mean before I use sunscreen?

You will often see sunscreens or sunblocks having different SPF labels. SPF stands for sun protection factor which is the sunscreen’s ability to block UVB rays or the sun’s burning rays. If you want to get a good sunscreen opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ and a PA ++++ so you are covered for both UVB and UVA rays.

Which sunscreen should I buy?

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use. When spending time outside, use a product with an SPF of 60 or higher. This higher SPF helps make up for the fact that most people do not apply sunscreen as often as they ought to.

How to use sunscreen properly

You’ll need around 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover your face, neck, arms, and legs. One ounce of sunscreen, squeezed into your hand, will cover your palm entirely. Make sure to incorporate sunscreens as the last step in your morning routine consistently!

You’ll need around a half teaspoon to cover your face and neck.

Should I use a physical or a chemical sunscreen

Chemical and mineral sunscreens are frequently separated into physical or chemical sunscreens. Ingredients including avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and others are found in chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens either use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Sunscreens made of chemicals and minerals function similarly (by absorbing UV light and transforming that energy into negligible amounts of heat). Additionally, some UV light is reflected by mineral sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens may sting for some people. Mineral sunscreen can be a better option if you have sensitive skin or frequently experience product reactions. Mineral sunscreens have the drawback of frequently leaving a visible white cast, especially on skin of colour.

Otherwise, it’s a matter of preference. The sunblock that you use every day is the best.

How often do I need to re-apply sunscreen

In general, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two to three hours, particularly after swimming or perspiring.

You might not need a second programme if you work inside and are seated away from windows. But be careful how often you go outside. Just to be cautious, keep a spare bottle of sunscreen at your workstation. Even a brief lunchtime stroll could be harmful to your skin.

Remember that no sunscreen is ideal. When possible, seek out shade and put on wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, or other protective clothing. Personally when I am driving outdoors, I put arm protectors or jackets to protect my skin from the sun.

Until you read from me again!