SPF - What to know? Sunscreens protect skin against sun damage. But you can still be vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun despite using sunscreen religiously. This may be because you may be using the wrong FPS!
What is SPF?
SPF is the sun protection factor that indicates how long a person can stay protected against UVB rays of the sun. For example, if a person can stay in the sun for 15 minutes without burning, an SPF 30 sunscreen may increase the time to thirty times more, ie if the origin of a person can tolerate sunlight for 15 minutes, applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, he / she can stay in the sun for 15 x 30 = 450 minutes (7 hours)
Generally, most people SPF 15 is sufficient and allows them to be in the sun for about 2 ½ hours before to know the signs as redness of the skin. However, an ironic SPF 15 protects against 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 protects against 97 percent of the same thing.
Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun
ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight is composed of three main types of rays - UVA, UVB and UVC.
UVA - These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage intrinsic also leads to premature aging of the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. There are no immediate signs of damage such as sunburn, but the skin is gradually deteriorating. Research also suggests that UVA rays cause cataracts and blindness. In addition, it aggravates the damage caused by UVB and promotes the development of skin cancer.
UVB rays - These are powerful rays responsible for causing sunburn. In addition, they also cause squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma and basal.
UVC - These rays are most damaging of all, but fortunately, they are absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere.
What SPF Do You Need?
In general, an SPF 15 is enough if you are indoors most of the time and just need to avoid accidental exposure. But if you need to spend more time outdoors in the sun, you should use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. People with fair skin and those with extra sensitive skin should choose to use a sunscreen with SPF 50 that provides protection of 99 percent
Advice to use sunscreen effectively
Use a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays of the sun. The sunscreen should contain ingredients such as avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Even "waterproof" and "water resistant sunscreens do not protect all day. sunscreens are water resistant to usually effective for about 40 minutes after you swim or get wet and waterproof sunscreens are effective for about 80 minutes. In both cases, you must reapply sunscreen after contact with water. waterproof sunscreen and water resistant are particularly useful if you engage in physical activities that make you sweat like exercise, running, jogging, etc.
Remove about one ounce of sunscreen on your palm and smear all exposed parts of your body including ears, neck, shoulders, chest, back, hands and feet. Apply an SPF lip balm on your lips as well.
Apply sunscreen about 15 to 20 minutes before venturing out into the sunlight. This gives ample time for the sunscreen to get absorbed through the skin and protect against sun damage. Make sure you reapply all day.
Use a sunscreen that suits your skin type. People with oily skin should use a lightweight oil-free sunscreen, preferably serum or gel that does not increase the fat from the skin. Similarly, people with dry skin should choose a sunscreen moisturizer or lotion that apart from heavy.
Posted on December 30, 2009.
