Things to know about sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is a way to help protect skin in the sun, but in fact, the time to protect the skin of sunscreen is often much shorter than the number stated on the box, because you rarely apply enough. required quantity.

Things to know about sunscreen Picture 1 Things to know about sunscreen

Need to be careful when using sunscreen

1. Sunscreen's protection is measured by the SPF -  Sun Protection Factor, which indicates how long you are safe. For example, if your skin can withstand the sun for about 10 minutes on average, a cream with SPF30 will help you be protected for 10 x 30 = 300 minutes, or 5 hours. However, for sunscreen to be most effective, you must apply a layer of 2mm thick, which in practice few people do. That's not to mention the cream layer is easily washed away by sweat, scratches. Therefore, dermatologists still recommend that you reapply every 2 hours.
2. You should choose products that can block both types of ultraviolet rays: UVB rays cause skin burns, darkening and increase the risk of skin cancer, but are blocked largely by high SPF sunscreens. And UVA destroys the elastic fibers of the skin, causing wrinkles; This protection index is denoted by the letters PA  - Protection Grade of UVA, which is usually lower than the SPF number. Products that help block UVA often contain Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Oxide (TiO2).
3. You should choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor. Doctors recommend that all their patients use a cream with an SPF of 30 or higher if they are exposed to direct sunlight, such as when playing sports, gardening or swimming. We need high-index creams because most people don't apply them correctly or often enough.

Types of sunscreen products

Things to know about sunscreen Picture 2 Types of sunscreen products

1. Cream  - The most common form, easy to apply, high adhesion.
2. Spray type - Gives a pleasant feeling due to less sticky, greasy, but the duration of the effect is usually not long.
3. Wipes Type - Sunscreen is pre-impregnated in wet tissue, very convenient, helping you apply quickly, even on difficult areas such as the nape and back. Its disadvantage is that the protection is not high.
4. Water Resistant - If you go swimming or bathing, you should choose a waterproof, anti-drift cream that says Water Resistant or better yet Waterproof . However, even with these products, you should still reapply every few hours.
5. Cosmetics - Many cosmetics such as day cream, foundation, lipstick, body lotion. still have sunscreen ingredients, but the index is not high. On the other hand, with these cosmetics, you usually only apply a very thin layer on your face, so the UV protection is negligible. Therefore, if you do not have a separate layer of sunscreen, you should carefully cover your face with a towel or mask when going out in the sun.
6. For Children  - There are sunscreen products specifically designed for children's sensitive skin.

Mistakes when using sunscreen

If used incorrectly, sunscreen does not protect your skin as much as expected, even harmful because you are subjectively "indifferent". Here are the most common mistakes:

first

Use a full body sunscreen - Using a full body sunscreen for the face will make your skin very secret, oilier and prone to acne.

2

Using the same bottle of cream for the face and body - Sunscreen products for the whole body are often very oily, if applied to the face will cause discomfort, greasy stickiness. Therefore, with facial skin, you should use a type that is specifically designed for this area; It is not only light and dry, but also helps you not to apply a thick layer, convenient for makeup.

3

The higher the SPF, the less cream you need to use - This index only matters in terms of time, meaning a cream with a high SPF will protect your skin longer against the sun, not the intensity. Therefore, whether the SPF is 16 or 32, you must use the same amount of cream.

4

It's shady without sunscreen - Even if it's not harsh, the sun still has ultraviolet rays and they will damage your skin. Therefore, sunscreen is still essential, especially when you are playing outdoors or playing on the beach.

5

Using cosmetics with SPF does not need sunscreen - Many day creams, makeup powders are advertised as having sunscreen ingredients. However, this is just a side function, so the protection is quite low, the cream and powder layer is too thin to protect your skin. So, if you have to spend a long time in the sun or go swimming, it is advisable to apply a separate layer of sunscreen before applying makeup.

6

Apply sunscreen once for the whole day - Most people usually only apply sunscreen once and are afraid to reapply because they think they are safe for the day. In fact, no other sunscreen lasts that long. Even its protection time is often much lower than what is stated on the label because the cream is gradually washed away. Therefore, if you are out in the sun all day or have fun at the beach, reapply every 2 hours.

Marvin Fry

Update 08 May 2023