Beauty gurus, vloggers, celebrities, and your mom may have been giving you the same skin care advice for years: wear sunscreen. And now that we’re on the cusp of summer, this really isn’t the time to skip your sunblock.
Sunscreens have sun protection factor or SPF. This property protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. But sunscreens do more than just prevent sunburns, they also decrease the risk of skin cancer.
SPF is a must-have in every girl’s skin care arsenal, so you shouldn’t limit your use of sunscreen to your beach trips. Daily SPF application can slow down the appearance of the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Modern Filipina created this guide on SPF to help you protect your skin from the sun.
1. How much SPF do you need: 15, 30, 45?
Even the highest SPF level can’t protect you against 100 percent of the sun’s rays. SPF 15 should be enough for everyday use if you’ll be staying mostly indoors. But if you’ll be exposed to the sun for longer periods, opt for an SPF 30 or higher.
Apply a shot glass-full of sunscreen for your entire body and a nickel-sized dollop on your face.
2. What is broad spectrum?
Again, there are two kinds of UV rays – UVB and UVA. UVB causes sunburn and UVA causes early skin aging and tanning. Broad spectrum offers protection against both kinds of lights, whereas regular SPF only blocks UVB. Make sure to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
3. Why do you still get tan even after applying sunscreen?
Prolonged exposure to the sun naturally results in tanned skinsince your body creates more melanin to prevent burning. If you turn several shades darker than you would’ve expected, it may be because you forgot to reapply.
Don’t believe the promise of waterproof sunblocks.
The product naturally washes off with heavy sweat or water, so reapplication is necessary if you’re at the beach. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends slathering on sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.Apply the product 30 minutes before going out.
If you’ll be indoors for most of the day, an application of once in the morning will suffice.
4. Do you need to wear sunscreen indoors?
Yes. The glass windows in your home, office, and car are designed to block most UVB rays. However, UVA can still penetrate the glass. So if you drive an hour to work each day, you’re getting a 60-minute exposure to UVA rays, which can cause premature skin aging.
5. Do you need sunscreen when you’re working on your tan?
Definitely. Skipping the SPF when tanning leaves your skin defenseless. Plus, your tan may not turn out as good as you want since you’ll be covered in sun burn. Lather a good amount of sunscreen before baking in the sun for a healthy tanning experience. You can put on some tanning oil on top of the sunscreen to accelerate the process.
Of course, sunscreen alone isn’t enough to protect you from harmful UV rays. As much as possible, avoid exposing yourself to the sun for long periods. If you’re going out for an outdoor activity, the ideal time is morning until midday.
Practice these tips to keep your skin healthy and young-looking even while basking under the sun.
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