Protection from the Sun

Let’s understand sunscreens & the damage that can be caused to skin by the Sun

First to understand the skin threatening UV rays; UVA rays ( A for aging rays) can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass. UVB rays ( B for burning rays) are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.

Who needs sunscreens?

Everyone! regardless of age, gender, race & color of the skin.

So what is SPF?

SPF stand for Sun Protection Factor which is a standard measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent one type of UV ray, called UVB UVB rays cause sunburn and may lead to several types of skin cancer.

Now understanding the numbers 15, 30, 50… the first thing to know is SPF30 will not give you twice the protection from SPF15 same goes SPF30 vs 60.  The studies show that SPF15 will protect your skin 93% of the UVB radiation, where as SPF30 97%   & SPF50 98% from the UVB radiation.

Hold on SPF is not only about  protection rate of UVB radiation? Yes , but also note that the number used next to SPF also gives an indication how much time of protection the sunscreen may provide ,the general rule of thumb suggests a  calculation of  SPF number x 10 , will give you the estimate minutes of protection under the sun, so, SPF30 will give you , 30x10 = 300 minutes of protection… so I put once an SPF30 then I am good for 5 hours? Unfortunately no.  There are other factors that will limit this time of protection.  This is  just a rough estimate that depends on skin type, intensity of sunlight,  getting in the water, perspiration level, & the amount of sunscreen used.   Experts strictly suggest to reapply sunscreens every 2 hours and immediately after activities like swimming, or heavy sweating.

 How about  protection from the UVA rays?

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and may lead to premature wrinkling, age spots and also increase the risk of some skin cancer.    In addition to UVB protection, must look for sunscreens that carry the label broad-spectrum, and UVA protection.

How much sunscreen should I apply?

Experts recommend a 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon to cover the face & neck , by the way 1 tea spoon is roughly around 4.9ml , so 1.65ml may be just enough for your face & neck or a quarter of a teaspoon, 1.22ml just for the face… for full body coverage, is suggested by experts about 30ml per use. Most people only use 25% of their actual need , so their sun protection in reality is significantly lower than what they believe ….

When should I use sunscreen? 

First of all, protection from the suns UV rays is not limited to sunny days & summer, you must know that every time you step outside during the day,  UV rays are out there , that’s why it is recommended to use a sunscreen all seasons & daily even when it is a cloudy day in December.   All seasons, 15 minutes before going out , a sunscreen should be applied .  The strength & risks of UV radiation increase during summer & direct exposure to sun , like on the beach…during the intense Sun exposure seasons & places, it is always recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours & immediately after swimming/showering, towelling and sweating .