If you could ever use just one skincare product from now on, you better use sunscreen! Wearing sunscreen is vital to protect yourself from sunburn-inducing UVB rays, prematurely ageing, and skin cancer.
How to apply sunscreen, how much to use, what’s the difference between chemical sunscreen and mineral/ physical SPFS, or is SPF 15 double the protection of SPF 30, are only just a few questions we’re going to discuss up next. Wearing sunscreen properly and knowing your products is essential.
Here is what you need to know.
What Does SPF Really Mean?
Sun Protection Factor, or short SPF, is necessary to indicate how long the protection from the sunblock will last. For example, if you burn within 20 minutes of exposure to the sun, an SPF 15 will protect you 15 times longer (around five hours), while an SPF 50 will allow you to stay out in the sun for 50 times that length (50×20).
Also, an SPF 50 can block a higher percentage of UVB rays from the sun, so you’re less likely to suffer from skin damage or burn.
What Does PA+ or the Star Rating on Sunscreen Mean?
A star rating indicates UVA protection. You’ll notice a star rating from zero to five on UK sunscreens, while PA+ or PA++++ is actually a rating from Japan that shows how much UVA protection is offered.
Sunscreen or Moisturizer: What Do You Apply First?
Sunscreen must always come after moisturizer. And this rule goes with mineral sunscreen, too.
Applying the moisturizer last can dilute the effectiveness of the SPF.
How Much Sunscreen Should You Use?
Actually, pretty much a lot! As per experts’ recommendations, you should apply a teaspoon on the face and neck and one on each arm. Your face should be full white at start, but applying it in the hair growth direction will sink the cream in perfectly.
When Should You Apply and Re-apply Sunscreen?
Dr Tapan Patel, a cosmetic dermatologist, recommends:
“Top up your sunblock once every four hours or so, but it is important to read the label on your sunblock to follow the directions of use, as this differs from brand to brand and SPF.”
Also, even if you’re not going to the beach, you should apply sunscreen every morning. You know the saying, better be safe than sorry!
Chemical Sunscreen vs Mineral/ Physical SPFS
First, you should know that neither is worse or better than the other when it comes to protecting you from sun rays. What’s essential is that skin cancers can be lethal, and UV is the leading cause of them.
You can, of course, choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen considering the following facts.
Mineral/ physical sunscreen, for example, contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Mineral can destroy or reflect UVA rays as they reach your skin.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens comprise octinoxate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone. These compounds trigger a chemical reaction that causes the UV energy to turn into heat which is then lost.
BB Creams or Foundations?
Neither BB creams and foundations can offer you enough protection from sun damage! They’re not substitutes for a precise, protective sunblock.
You can apply an SPF makeup only in conjunction with a traditional sunscreen for the best protection.
