Sunscreen, the ultimate skincare superstar, continues to shine bright and claim its well-deserved spotlight. It's a must-have product for the well-being of your skin, regardless of whether you're staying indoors or stepping outside.
While basking in the sun may feel enjoyable, it can actually harm your skin in the long run. Numerous studies have shown that prolonged sun exposure can lead to tanning, inflammation, sunburns, dry patches, and even skin cancer. However, you can protect your skin from these harmful effects with a single product: sunscreen. When we say "SPF is your BFF," we mean it. Sunscreen forms a protective layer on your skin's surface, reflecting the damaging UVA and UVB rays of the sun, safeguarding your skin from the adverse effects of sun damage.
Let's decode SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and PA (Protection Grade of UVA) levels:
SPF:
Sunscreen and SPF go hand in hand. You've probably seen sunscreen products with different SPF numbers like 30, 40, or 50. But do you know what SPF stands for? SPF represents the relative measure of how well your sunscreen protects you from the harmful UVB rays of the sun. The higher the SPF number, the better it protects against UVB rays. Here's a breakdown of what the numbers mean:
ü SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
ü SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
ü SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
Experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF between 30 and 50 for adequate protection. If you spend extended periods in the sun, opting for a higher SPF is advisable.
PA Levels:
When examining a sunscreen label, you'll come across the term PA, accompanied by a series of plus signs. PA refers to "Protection Grade of UVA," indicating how well the sunscreen shields you from UVA rays. The number of plus signs next to PA denotes the level of protection against UVA rays. Let's break it down:
ü PA+ provides moderate protection from UVA rays.
ü PA++ provides sufficient protection from UVA rays.
ü PA+++ provides high protection from UVA rays.
ü PA++++ provides extremely high protection from UVA rays.
When choosing a sunscreen, ensure it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, known as a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Combating UVA and UVB rays necessitates a broad-spectrum sunscreen. UVA rays contribute to fine lines and wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburns, tanning, and skin cancers. So, it's essential to protect yourself from both. Luckily, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF and PA levels is your best friend, providing all-around protection from the sun's rays.
To find your ideal sunscreen, consider these factors along with SPF and PA levels:
ü Skin type suitability: Select a sunscreen that suits your skin type, such as cream-based for dry skin, gel-based for oily skin, or water-based for combination skin.
ü Non-comedogenic: Opt for a non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent pore blockage, acne, blemishes, and blackheads.
ü Blending ability: Look for a sunscreen that blends well without leaving a chalky, whitish finish on your skin.
ü Quick absorption: Choose a sunscreen that absorbs well into your skin for better effectiveness.
ü Water and sweat resistance: If you engage in water activities or perspire heavily, ensure your sunscreen is water and sweat resistant, but remember to reapply it at intervals.
Now that you have found the sunscreen that suits your needs, here's how you can incorporate it into your daily skincare routine:
1. Cleanse your
face with a gentle sulfate-free face wash.
2. Pat your face and neck dry and apply an alcohol-free toner.
3. Gently apply a serum to your face and neck, allowing it to absorb into your
skin.
4. Dot your face and neck with a moisturizer and massage it in using upward
motions.
5. Wait for a minute or two before applying your sunscreen. Dot your face and
neck with sunscreen and massage it in using gentle upward motions. Make sure to
apply it as the final step in your skincare routine.
Remember to reapply your sunscreen at regular intervals as needed, especially if you're exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Pro Tip: Apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb properly and provide maximum protection.
In addition to using sunscreen, here are some other tips to stay sun-safe:
· Avoid going out in the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM when the UV rays are strongest.
· Limit your sun exposure by using an umbrella or wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat when outdoors.
· When spending long durations outside, especially during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing.
· Wear sunglasses that filter out UV rays to protect your eyes.
In conclusion, now that you understand the importance of sunscreen, we hope you won't skip it anymore. Remember to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin's needs and preferences. Just like picking an outfit, finding the right sunscreen is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Prioritize your skin's requirements and make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine.
