Sunscreen is something that you should use generously and according to the label directions, and if you choose a good one it will serve you well as a great skin protector. There are so many sunscreens on the market now that choosing one can be daunting, but once you’re aware of the prime ingredients to be on the lookout for it will seem far easier. Begin by remembering the bigger picture – sunscreen is there to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, but there are certain elements of good sun safety that should never be overlooked. For example, you should avoid the sun during peak hours, which generally fall between 10am and 2pm. These hours are prime for the sun’s potency and the UV rays are especially harsh during this time. You should also wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Lastly, always wear sunscreen – this should be applied generously and reapplied throughout the day. Research has never shown a connection between wearing sunscreen and an increase in the risk of skin cancer, and most experts have never claimed that this rumour is true. However, there have been studies which suggest that sunscreen can reduce the risk of melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer.
There are two types of UV light, UVA and UVB, which can both cause damage to the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect you from both. UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing, whilst UVB rays burn your skin. Too much exposure of either one will increase your chances of developing skin cancer. You should aim to find a protective sunscreen that shields your skin from the effects of the sun. SPF stands for sun protection factor, which is an indicator as to how well the lotion deflects the UVB rays. It is calculated by how long it would take for the sun to burn the skin if it has been treated with the lotion, compared to bare skin. In theory, the higher the number the more protection you have. However, it isn’t that easy and most people are unaware of this. Even when applied correctly, an SPF 30 only provides slightly more protection than SPF 15 – it isn’t double as many people think. There are two forms of sunscreen, organic and inorganic. The former use active ingredients to absorb the UV radiation and convert it into a small amount of heat. Inorganic sunscreens are also called physical sunscreens, and work by reflecting the radiation. The type of sunscreen you use is whichever works best for you, and you can normally find types that specifically target certain body areas. For example, a spray may work better for areas such as the scalp, whereas a cream could be beneficial to drier areas such as the face.
The most important thing to remember is that the amount of sunscreen you use is imperative. Most people don’t apply enough, so the protection you receive suffers. Aim to use a blob the size of a 50p coin on your arms and legs, and one the size of a 20p coin for your face. As previously stated, you should also protect your skin with clothes and a hat. If you go swimming, you need to reapply when you get out – even sunscreens that are advertised as waterproof need to be reapplied once you’ve dried off, as they won’t remain protective. You should also reapply more regularly if you’re on sand or standing on a concrete surface, as these will reflect the light and increase the risk of burning.
