Your Ultimate Sunscreen Guide: Precaution and Care

If you’re scared to step out into the Sun for fear of getting tanned or even worse,  damaging your skin, we totally get it! 90% of all aging is caused  as a result of sun damage and with 50 year olds looking like Jlo it’s hard to not set your standards high. We break down SPFs so you can start going back into the sun and stop living like a vampire. 

INVISIBLE TO YOUR EYES, BUT EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS

The Sun emits two kinds of rays that are harmful to your skin: Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B which are known as UVA AND UVB rays that you need to know about.  UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn whilst UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin. Continuous, unprotected exposure can lead to:

• Skin Cancer 
• Aging of skin, causing wrinkles, spots, and darkness
• Eye damage leading to cataracts and other eye diseases

YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND YOUR SUNSCREEN

As you all know, sunscreen is an essential tool to protect you against harmful UV rays. When it comes to buying sunscreen, you need to make sure that the SPF offers  broad-spectrum protection.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. It's great for protecting against skin aging and sunburn which in turn reduces your chances of getting skin cancer. When shopping for sunscreens you always want to check the SPF (sunburn protection factor) rating. These ratings tell you what level the cream protects your skin from sunburn (UVB)

Here is an example of the difference in their effectiveness:

SPF 15 - protects your skin against 93% of UVB rays

SPF 30 - protects your skin against 97% of UVB rays

You must have noticed that sunscreens have different ingredients which cause them to work differently. This is why sunscreen is broken down into two categories:

Physical: They deflect rays and are suitable for sensitive skin. Its ingredients include titanium oxide and zinc oxide

Chemical: They absorb UV rays like a sponge and soak into your skin. They are less likely to leave a white residue as compared to the physical one. Its ingredients include oxybenzone, homosalate and avobenzone.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO WHEN YOU ARE OUTDOORS

Rain or sunshine lather on the sunscreen (even when you’re home). If you’re expecting it to be hot you could opt for an oil free SPF. If it's cold or you have dry or normal skin you can use a moisturising SPF and can opt for a water-resistant SPF when it’s going to rain- so it doesn't wash off or become less effective or simply reapply.

• Try to stay covered with clothing as much as possible. 
• Avoid standing in the sun too long and find a shady spot as soon as possible.
• Always carry sunglasses.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGISTS

Dermatologists provide you with the best advice on the perfect sunscreen for your skin type.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE BUYING A SUNSCREEN

• Consider the SPF and also what you want to use - Spray, stick, lotion or gel?
• Make sure it has these ingredients - like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone
• Always pick the broad spectrum SPF
• Do consider your skin type
• Should be water-resistant