All About Sunscreen

Do you know what are sunscreens and the benefits of applying it? Have you ever wondered which is the best dermatologist recommended sunscreen for your skin? Does applying sunscreen clog your pores and cause acne? Read this blog to know all the important information about it and why it is important to apply it regularly whatever the skin type.

Types of sunscreens:

• Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They are easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue.
• Physical sunscreens (also known as sunblock) act like a shield. They reflect the sun’s rays and they are better for sensitive skin.

Which Sunscreen should I use?

Some important aspects in choosing a good product are:

• Broad Spectrum: The words “broad spectrum” means that the sunscreen can protect your skin from both types of harmful UV rays — the UVA rays and the UVB rays.
• SPF 30 or higher: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but there is none that will block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.
• Water Resistant: We recommend that you look for the words “water resistant.” This tells you that the product will stay on wet or sweaty skin for a while before you need to reapply. Water-resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes and not all offer water resistance.
• Check Expiry: Like any other product, they do expire, so discard any with expired dates. If there is no expiration date on the bottle, there are some signs that the product may no longer be good. Changes in the color or texture of the sunscreen mean the product is no longer protective.

Which formulation should I use?

There are many different formulations that are available. Gels are great for hair areas and for people who want a quick-drying product. Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide containing combinations are better for sensitive skin. Creams are best for dry skin and the face. It is always better to consult a certified dermatologist to know which combination would be the best for your skin.

What other precautions should I take?

• Clothing: Wear a wide-brimmed hat that will cover your ears and face. Choose lightweight, dark-colored, tightly woven, long-sleeved cotton clothes. Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Shade: Seek shade or try to remain indoors, especially from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Reflection: Be careful around water, sand, and concrete. These surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, increasing your chance of sunburn.

Is Sunscreen Safe?

Some of the older formulations were known to cause allergic reactions. However, most of the newer formulations are hypoallergenic which means that they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Consult a certified dermatologist today to find out which would be the best for your skin.

Why do I need to apply a sunscreen?

Sunscreen plays a key role in protecting your skin from the sun. When you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, it can:

• Prevent sunburn.
• Prevent pigmentation or darkening of the skin.
• Decrease signs of aging.
• Reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
• We should enjoy the outdoors, and we can have fun in the sun without worries.

How should I apply sunscreen?

1. Apply generously before going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.
2. Apply enough to cover all exposed skin. Roughly 3-5 g is needed to cover the head and neck.
3. Do not rub it into your skin, but spread it uniformly over the surface of the skin and allow it to dry.
4. To remain protected when outdoors, reapply it every three hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
5. Apply even on cloudy days and in winter: Your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter. So whether you are on vacation or taking a brisk fall walk in your neighborhood, remember to use sunscreen. For more useful information, consult a certified dermatologist today.
6. Reapplication: Sunscreens need to be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, rubbing, or towel drying.

What is SPF?

SPF means Sun Protection Factor.

It is commonly interpreted as how much longer the skin covered with sunscreen takes to burn compared with unprotected skin. So, for example, if you burn after 10 minutes in the sun, then using a sunscreen labeled with SPF15, is taken to mean that you can safely remain in the sun for 10 × 15 = 150 minutes, before burning.

• SPF 15: Blocks 93% of the sun’s UVB rays
• SPF 30: Blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays
• SPF 50: Blocks 98% of the sun’s UVB rays

Advanced Question: Is there any extra benefit of choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 over SPF 15? (You’ve already read so far, this is an interesting one) 

There is commonly held, but false belief that applying an SPF 30 product gives very little additional benefit to using an SFP 15 product. The basis of the argument is that SPF 15 absorbs 93% and SPF 30 absorbs 97% of solar UV – apparently a difference so small that it is of little benefit. But what is important to skin health is not what is absorbed by the sunscreen but how much UV reaches the skin. So in the case of an SPF 15 product, the skin exposure relative to unprotected skin for a given time in the sun is 1/15 = 7%, whereas, for an SPF 30 product, the relative exposure is 1/30 = 3%. In other words, twice as much UV reaches the skin when an SPF 15 product is applied than when the same quantity of SPF 30 is applied.