What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a topical (to apply on the skin) product that protect the skin against harmful effects of the sun.
How can the Sun be dangerous?
The sun, besides visible sunlight, also is non-visible ultraviolet (UV) rays.
UV-B rays may cause sunburn and skin cancer (through a damage of DNA in the skin cells). New studies suggest that UV-A may also cause skin cancer.
UV-A exposure may result in photo-aging: skin wrinkling, age spots (hyperpigmentation), freckling, visible capillaries, and lost of the skin elasticity.
How does Sunscreen work?
The following substances are FDA (American Drug Administration) approved as active ingredients:
- UVB filters (absorbers): octinoxate, trolamine salicylicate,
- UVA filters ( absorbers): avobenzone
- UVA+UVB absorbers: oxybenzone, dyoxybenzone,
- UVA+UVB reflectors: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Antioxidants is sunscreen neutralize free radicals triggered by UV rays. Vitamin C (improves skin healing) and E (somewhat protects against DNA damage) are also often added.
Forms of Sunscreen
Lotion and spray are not messy, so they are convenient for the scalp with scars hair or hairy skin.
Creams and gels do not flow, so they are convenient for the face.
Sticks are thick, and thus convenient for the eyelids or lips (lip-screen)
Powders are convenient for oily skin.
A sunscreen with moisturizer is convenient for dry skin.
Sunscreens for Oily, Dry or Sensitive Skin
For oily skin, oil-free (water-based or powder) sunscreen are convenient.
For dry skin, sunscreen with a moisturizer, or oily sunscreen may be appropriate; alcohol-based ones should be avoided.
For sensitive skin, alcohol-free, fragrances-free (non-scented) and purely physical sunscreen (containing only zinc oxide or titanium oxide as an active ingredients) are appropriate. Any of this sunscreen may still irritate your skin, so you have to find appropriate one yourself.
Some Misleading Terms
No “ sun block” sunscreen can completely block UV rays, no “all day” sunscreen protects skin for 24 hours, no “waterproof” sunscreen is completely waterproof after several hours applying, rare “natural” or “organic” sunscreen contain only natural or organic components, and no sunscreen is completely “SAFE”
Who should use a sunscreen?
Anyone after 6 months of age, exposed to intense sun, even if only for 10 minutes, should use a sunscreen. Children, outdoor workers, drivers and all who are repeatedly exposed to the “normal sun for long periods, should also use sunscreens.
Who should not use a sunscreen?
- In infants before 6 months of age,
- By person with an allergic reaction to particular sunscreen,
- In intense sunburn with blister,
- In oozing skin infections,
- On skin areas near open wounds
How to apply a sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, and then every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. It should be applied generously and evenly, and rubbed well into the skin. All parts of the sun-exposed skin should be covered, including ears, the skin behind ears and the scalp with scarce hair.
Applying sunscreen on the eyelids and around the eye is not recommended since it may irritate the skin. Use big sunglasses with 100% UV filters instead.
So, which sunscreen to use?
- SPF at least 15,
- Broad-spectrum (UVA+UVB protection),
- Not irritating your skin (check ingredients, use intuition)
- Feels comfortable (use appropriate form of sunscreen, read above)
I hope I help you answered some of the important questions about sunscreen and you will easy find the right product for your type of skin.
So tell my what kind of sunscreen are you using?
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