Sunscreen is a essential part of a comprehensive protection routine.

In this blog, I want to tell you some secrets about sunscreen which you need to know when you pick sunscreen .

Why we use sunscreen?

Scientific evidences shows that highly the significance of protecting the skin from harmful UV-radiation, which can lead to sunburn, premature aging and increase risk of skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen can maintain a youthful appearance.

Moreover, Sunscreen prevent from skin cancer HOW?

Sunscreen helps protect against skin cancer by providing a barrier between your skin and harmful UV- radiations. Because, UV- radiation damage DNA in your skin. By applying sunscreen regularly, you create a shield that blocks or absorb these rays, reducing damage they can cause. This helps to lower your chances of developing skin cancer, including both MEIANOMA ( deadliest form of skin cancer) or NON- MAEINOMIA type like basal cell carcinoma.

Sunscreen and anti-aging benefits.

It helps protect against aging, wrinkles, age spot. UV-rays damage skin collagen, elastic fiber which are responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. Overtime damage leads to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. UV rays also stimulate the production of excess melanin, leading to development of age spots, or dark spots o skin. Applying sunscreen prevent breakdown of collagen, elastic fiber, maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the formation of wrinkles. Also helps to inhibit the overproduction of melanin, promoting a more even skin tone.

SUNSCREEN MYTHS DEBUNK.

1. '' I don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day''

Cloudy day myth: UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, causing skin damage. Scientific evidence shows that up to 80% UV rays can pass through clouds increasing risk of sunburn.

2. Sunscreen reducing the production of Vitamin D.

Studies have found that it doesn't significantly affect vitamin D levels. Body can still produce vitamin D even with sunscreen. Additionally, it's more effective and safer to obtain vitamin D from dietary sources or supplements rather than relaying on sun exposure for a longer time

CHOOSE SUNSCREEN BY UNDERSTANDING SPF or board spectrum

SPF; sun protection factor

SPF Recommendations levels.

. For daily use

SPF 30 or higher for all skin type.

. For prolonged sun exposure.

SPF 50 or higher

. SPF 15: protect 93%

. SPF 30: protect 97%

.SPF 50: protect 98%

MYTH ABOUT SPF 50 OR ABOVE.

Don't be fooled by high SPF . It only offers marginally better protection or may create a false sense of security when you are out in sun. High SPF not provide adequate protection.

SECRETS INGREDIENTS IN SUNSCREEN.

. ZINC OXIDE, TITANIUN DIOXIDE

Physical sunscreen: ingredients that form a protective barrier on skin surface and scatter both UVA,UVB rays. Shield against sunburn.

. AVOBENZENE, OCTINOXATE, HOMOSALATE

Chemically sunscreen: ingredients that absorb UVB,UVA rays. Provide board spectrum protection when combined with other sunscreen agents.

NOTE: HOMOSALATE enhances effectiveness of other sunscreen agents.

Also prefer to choose sunscreen with anti-oxidants

Anti- oxidants stabilize free radicals by giving away on electrons because UV-rays create free radicals on skin.

PICK SUNSCREEN ACCORDING TO YOUR SKIN TYPE

1. Oily skin

Oil free or gel based, Sunscreen that are non-comedogenic( won't clog pores), light weight formulas sunscreen.

2. Sensitive skin

Choose sunscreen that are labeled as "gentle" ''hypoallergenic'' or suitable for sensitive skin. Fragrance free, mineral based sunscreen( ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide)

3. Acne-prone skin

Seek oil free that won't aggravate breakouts. Consider light weight, gel based consistency that won't heavy on skin.

4. Dry skin

. Moisturizing sunscreen that provide hydration while protecting against sun. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin

5. Combination skin

Choose light weight that won't feel greasy on oily areas of your face. Gel based or fluid sunscreen tend to work well for combination skin.

SUNSCREEN AND SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Why children need sunscreen?

babies younger than 6 months sunscreen should be avoided, for infants or toddlers of 6 months parents may apply board spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF30. Mineral based sunscreen made for infants.

EVEN DARK SKIN TONE PEOPLE ALSO NEED SUNSCREEN

These people have more natural protection against UV radiation due to high Melanin level but still at risk of skin cancer. Melanin act as natural sunscreen protect against UV rays , that's why they have low risk of skin burn than those lighter skin tone people. But they should still take appropriate sun protection measures sun as using sunscreen, seeking shades.

Aged people also need to wear sunscreen

Aged skin tend to be more fragile and susceptible to skin damage, with age skin natural defense mechanisms against UV radiation become less efficient. Sunscreen become crucial in protecting aged skin from harmful effects of sun like age spots, wrinkles, skin cancer.

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

.Recommended amount: to be applied to skin is about quarter teaspoon for face and neck or about 3 finger tips.

Do a patch test before wear sunscreen. After 2 hours of applying sunscreen re-use sunscreen. Applied sunscreen protected for 150 minutes, about for 2 hour.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

. Sunscreen helps protect their skin from sunburn

. Regular use of sunscreen can maintain a youthful appearance and reduce the formation of wrinkles, ae spots.

. Also wear glasses, less skin exposed clothes and of course sunscreen.

. Choosing a sunscreen with a comfortable texture, suitable for their skin type.

.Encourage individuals to prioritize their skin's health by using sunscreen consistently, regardless of the weather condition.

.Choose sunscreen that explicitly state ''BOARD-SPECTRUM'' on the label. This ensure that sunscreen guards against both UVA, UVB rays.

THANK YOU

Kindly, Share your thoughts with me if it's helpful or not.

Unlocking the secrets of sunscreen