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Sunscreen: How To Effectively Use These Products
There was a time when people did not think much about sunscreen, and when they did, it was only in the context of preventing sunburn. During the last several decades we have learned more about the sun's harmful effects on our skin and we now know that we must protect our skin when it is exposed to the sun. But how much do we really know about these products?
In basic terms, these protective products are used to either block or absorb ultraviolet light (UV) that comes from the sun.
The UV rays from the sun can be blocked with simple creams that are opaque in nature. Perhaps the most well known cream for this purpose is zinc oxide. Titanium oxide is another ingredient that is often used to either scatter or reflect the UV rays.
Most commercial products will use a combination of organic and inorganic ingredients so that they can provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These are the rays that cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.
A brief explanation of the various ultraviolet radiation types may be helpful in understanding how sunscreen products work.
UVA radiation is not absorbed by the protective ozone layer above us. It passes right through and therefore it penetrates the flesh more deeply than UVB radiation. UVB radiation is what causes sunburns. The ozone can only block some of these rays.
As you can see, being outdoors with no protection at all is risky at best. Your skin simply cannot protect itself from these harmful rays and long-term exposure can cause severe health problems.
You have probably heard of the term "SPF". This stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well the particular brand of sunscreen protects you from UVB rays. These are the rays that cause sunburn. It is important to remember that SPF does not measure UVA protection ability. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection is against the UVB rays. If you need UVA protection, you should use products that have "broad-spectrum" protection. This information can be found on the packaging of the product.
Now that we know something about the science behind sunscreen products, when should we use these products?
For the best results, you should apply your product thirty minutes before you plan to be outside. This allows the protective ingredients to be absorbed into the skin and makes it less likely to be removed by perspiration.
If you go into water, you should reapply the product when you come out. This is especially important if you are using the less expensive brands which will easily wash off with water.
If you work outdoors it is important to reapply your product throughout the day. Even the best products will lose some protective ability as you perspire and move around.
The same is true if you play sports outdoors or if you perform strenuous workouts outdoors.
Before you apply sunscreen, make sure you shake the container well in order to mix the ingredients as some of the ingredients may settle to the bottom of the bottle.
If you use spray on sunscreen make sure that you cover all areas that will be exposed to the sun.
Whether you are using lotions or sprays, make sure that you use enough of the product.
For lotions, it is recommended that you use about one ounce (a good handful) to cover your entire body.
You do want to be very careful when applying the product near your eyes or the eyes of children.
So what should you look for when you are choosing a sunscreen product?
It is usually a good idea to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB and that also has an SPF of 15 or more.
If you know in advance that you are going to be in the water select a product that is waterproof.
Many people are sensitive to PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). If you are one of these people you should read the ingredients list carefully as many products contain this ingredient.
For those individuals who have acne or have oily skin, a water-based product may work better for you.
It may seem like common sense but do look at the expiration date on the product. Some of the ingredients that are used in preparations will actually degrade with time.
Lastly, consumers should understand that more expensive does not always mean better. The best way to judge a product is to look at the list of ingredients and make sure that the sunscreen has the ingredients and SPF level that is best suited for you.
The content presented here on this website is for informational purposes only. These products have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
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