Importance of Sunscreen for Face
SPF is the best-known indicator of a sunscreen’s effectiveness. It expresses the level of protection from UVB rays, which are responsible for rashes, burns, and sunburns. On the other hand, UVA rays are always present in sunlight, even on cloudy days, and can penetrate glass. They are responsible for long-term skin damage, such as premature ageing and skin cancer. There is only one scale internationally, which makes life easier for everyone.
To avoid numbers that had more of a commercial purpose than a healthcare one, a maximum protection limit was set at 50. This means that any SPF value above 50 does not significantly increase the level of protection.
There are four standardized categories: low protection (from 6 to 10), medium (15-25), high (30-50 ), and very high (50+). In reality, below 8, we shouldn’t even talk about protection. The United States is more transparent with consumers since creams with an SPF lower than 15 cannot have the words’ protects from UV rays.’
Why it is essential to use sunscreen
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to the skin. Excessive exposure can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and, in severe cases, diseases such as melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Sunscreen is not just a cosmetic product; it’s a health necessity. It acts as a protective shield, blocking or absorbing UV radiation. Regular use of sunscreen prevents sunburn and significantly reduces the risk of developing premature wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer. By keeping your skin young and healthy, sunscreen becomes essential to your skincare routine, motivating you to use it regularly.
5 Good Reasons You Should Wear Sunscreen
- Limit the risks of cancer.
Protecting yourself from the sun also means protecting yourself from melanoma and other types of skin cancer. These diseases can be life-threatening and significantly impact your quality of life. So, if wearing sunscreen can allow us to live longer and in good health, why deprive ourselves of it?
- Delay skin ageing
Because prolonged exposure to the sun accelerates skin ageing, it is in our best interest to overuse sunscreen. Thus, our face, like our body, keeps its youth.
- Moisturize your skin
As its name suggests, sunscreen is a cream! It, therefore, allows you to hydrate your skin to be beautiful and soft. Of course, you also need to hydrate yourself from the inside by drinking water.
- Enhance your silhouette
Applying sunscreen allows you to have satiny and luminous skin. On the beach or by the pool, applying sunscreen enhances your figure. Your skin texture appears smoother, and your body firmer.
- Massage yourself
By putting on sunscreen, you massage your entire body. This gesture helps reduce dimpling and restart blood circulation. A useful gesture!
How to Choose the Right Sun Cream
Not all sunscreens are the same. Some key factors to consider when choosing sunscreen include:
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF): SPF indicates how long your skin can be exposed to the sun without getting burned. For example, a cream with SPF 30 allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer. But remember, no sunscreen offers 100% protection.
- Full Spectrum: Ensure sunscreen offers ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘full spectrum’ protection. This means that it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Water resistance: If you plan on swimming or sweating, use water-resistant sunscreen.
- Ingredients: Look for sunscreens with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive or allergic skin. Some common ingredients in sunscreens include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and octinoxate. These ingredients reflect or absorb UV radiation, providing a physical or chemical barrier to protect your skin.
Don’t Forget to Reapply
Remember, the effectiveness of sunscreen is directly linked to its correct usage. To ensure optimal protection, apply it generously to all exposed body areas at least 30 minutes before going out.
Reapplication every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating is crucial. By following these guidelines, you take an active role in sun protection, feeling responsible and proactive in safeguarding your skin.
