Have you ever had a sunburn? Maybe you went to the beach or your local aquatic amusement park and forgot to apply sunblock to your skin and were in pain the next day. What would you think if you were told that sunblock use is not exclusive from summer weather and should be used all year long. Believe it or not, clouds do not offer full protection against Solar radiation, UVA and UVB rays to be specific. Sunblock and its SPF protective factor stands against these harmful radiations. Doctify offers the possibility to get in touch with top tier dermatologists, which can provide you tailor made assessments for your specific needs.
Understanding SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection
First, let’s define what SPF means. You have seen this acronym in every sunblock available in your local pharmacy. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and its number is related to the grade of protection that it offers against UVA and UVB radiation, specially for the latter which is the culprit of sunburns. UVA are the culprits of skin aging acceleration, it is known as “Aging radiation” vs. UVB rays are the ones that cause instant damage to your skin, provoking the well known sunburn after going to the beach or after spending a lot of time outdoors.
SPF protection of 30 or higher is recommended for daily use because it offers at least 97% of protection from UVB radiation. It is significantly important to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen because these sunblocks are the ones that will offer protection against both UVA “Aging” Radiation and UVB “Sunburn” Radiation. It will protect your skin from decaying sooner and look younger in the long run, and in the short term it will protect you from having a painful sunburn.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays, while chemical sunscreens use organic compounds to absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them from the skin. For sensitive skin people, mineral sunscreens should be the option of choice and for people with allergies or skin prone to infection, fragrance free sunscreen should be used. There is no fully water resistant sunblock, there are special sunblocks that can resist up to 60-80 minutes before being washed off.
After that, sunblock should be reapplied. It is important to remember that sunblocks and sunscreens must be stored properly. Should be stored in a dark and dry environment, light can destroy active principles of the sunblock. Sunblocks and Sunscreens must be used before their expiration date or 6-12 months after opening the product. Sunblock or sunscreen should be discarded if color or texture has changed.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly? Use Our Tips to Stay Safe
- Applying generously
- Applying 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Covering often-missed areas: ears, hairline, hands, and tops of feet.
- Layering with makeup or moisturiser correctly (SPF should be the last skincare step before makeup).
The Importance of Reapplication
Reapply every two hours for continued protection. Do it immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Additionally, you can use SPF sprays or sticks for quick touch-ups without smudging makeup.
Additional Sun Safety Tips – It’s not All About Sunscreen!
- Wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 am–4 pm).
- Staying hydrated to support skin health.
When to See a Dermatologist?
You Should contact a dermatologist if you see abnormal changes in your skin, such as a mole, specially a rapid growth one or irregular in appearance, warts or any discoloration or rash that persist over time.
Conclusion
Every person is exposed to UVA and UVB radiation daily, so it is important to stay protected against it. Proper sunblock with appropriate SPF should be used daily and reapplied to preserve protection. And remember, Doctify can get you in touch with a qualified dermatologist in order to receive proper treatment.
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