There are many myths and many assumptions for using sunscreen. Different companies selling sunscreen in name of natural and chemical free. Some people will say use of sunscreen will cause skin cancer as it has harsh chemicals. what if I say not using sunscreen can cause you skin cancer. Yes, you heard me right and it is not me saying this, the expert skin specialists around the world have said that after many research. Let’s know all about sunscreen and how it works.
What is SUNSCREEN ?
Sunscreen also known as Sunblock, is in form of lotion, spray, gel, cream, foam or stick that absorbs or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps to protect against sunburn. To state in simple way, Sunscreen is used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Why SUNSCREEN is important ?
There is mainly four reasons to why we should use sunscreen everyday.
Minimizing UV damage is especially important for children and fair skinned individuals and those who have sun sensitivity for medical reasons.
How SUNSCREEN works ?
Sunscreen works by blocking and absorbing UV rays through a combination of physical and chemical particles.
Physical Particles : it is also called minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used to reflects UV radiation from the skin. Physical ingredients block and scatter the rays before they penetrate your skin.
Chemical Ingredients : Chemical ingredients in sunscreen react with radiation before it penetrates the skin, absorbing the rays and releasing the energy as heat. To simplify, it absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin.
This Physical and chemical combination is important to combat both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA radiation is the cause of skin aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.
UVB radiation is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
How safe the SUNSCREEN is ?
In 2009, the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia updated a review of sunscreen safety studies and concluded: “The potential for titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in sunscreens to cause adverse effects depend primarily upon the ability of the nanoparticles to reach viable skin cells. To date, the current weight of evidence suggests that TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles do not reach viable skin cells.” Sunscreen ingredients typically undergo extensive review by government regulators in multiple countries, and ingredients that present significant safety concerns (such as PABA) tend to be withdrawn from the consumer market.
There is a risk of an allergic reaction to sunscreen for some individuals, as Typical allergic contact dermatitis may occur in individuals allergic to any of the ingredients that are found in sunscreen products or cosmetic preparations that have a sunscreen component.
What is SPF in SUNSCREEN ?
SPF stands for SUN PROTECTION FACTOR. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with amount of time without sunscreen. So if you use SPF 15 product it would take you 15 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.
What is PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++ in SUNSCREEN ?
PA is the Protection grade of UVA rays. PA+ means your sunscreen provides some protection against UVA rays. PA++ provides moderate protection and PA+++ offers very good protection, PA++++ is recently introduced and offers 16 times more protection which is maximum rating.
When to apply SUNSCREEN ?
It is important to apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. No matter the SPF, reapplication every two hours is necessary. Sunscreen should be applied after washing and moisturizing your face or some moisturizer already have sunscreen in it too.
Who should use SUNSCREEN ?
EVERYONE. Everyone under the exposure of sun should use sunscreen everyday. it includes every skin type individuals and even children.
How to choose the right SUNSCREEN ?
I hope all this information about Sunscreen has bust many myths about it and next time you use sunscreen you know exactly what it is and what it does.
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