Did you know sunscreen is the number 1 anti-ageing product on the market. Yet so many people fail to add this essential product to their skincare routine. UV radiation produced by the sun causes skin cancer, unwanted pigmentation, premature ageing and skin redness. Sunscreen works to protect the skin and prevents these common skin concerns. This skin blog discusses everything you need to know about sunscreen, how it works and why it's so important in your skincare routine.
Let’s get started.
PHYSICAL VS CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
There are two parts to a sunscreen - the emulsion and the active ingredients. The emulsion carries the active ingredients and usually compromises of a lotion, cream, oil, foam or gel. This is what contributes to how a sunscreen feels on the skin. The active ingredients are what protect us from the sun. These ingredients either reflect UV radiation or absorb the energy and are known as a physical or chemical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens use mineral based ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide that sit on the surface of the skin creating a barrier that reflects UV rays and prevents them from entering the skin. A physical sunscreen often feels heavier on the skin because of the barrier it creates.
Chemical sunscreens usually contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and other chemicals that absorb UV radiation. The body then metabolises the UV radiation into non-damaging wavelengths of energy and is filtered out of the body by the lymphatic system. A chemical sunscreen can feel warmer on the skin due to the energy absorption.
WHAT DOES SPF MEAN
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF rating on a sunscreen refers to the sunscreens ability to provide a screen from the sun, not a complete block. The higher the SPF, the higher the percentage of protection. For instance, an individual that has fair skin burns within 10 minutes of direct sunlight. SPF 30 slows the rate of burning where it would take 30 times longer for sun burn to occur.
So - 10 x 30 = 300 mins
Broad spectrum refer to a sunscreens ability to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
TIPS FOR SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
Sunscreen should be used everyday regardless of the weather
Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours if outdoors or in direct sunlight
If the skin is exposed to water or sweat, sunscreen should be reapplied earlier than 2 hours
Chemical sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin
A teaspoon of sunscreen should be used for each body part for the most effective protection
Sunscreen expires within 2-3 years so it is recommended to check your sunscreen expiry as expired sunscreen is ineffective in providing sun protection
"Achieve your skin goals, feel confident and love the skin you're in"
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