All You Wanted To Know About Sunscreens

All You Wanted To Know About Sunscreens

Hello My Loves,

Why are winter sunrays more damaging than those in summer? Because we think we don’t need sunscreen in winters. This is a common and huge mistake that most of us tend to make.

In my skincare basics article, I stressed that sunscreen is as important as breathing. What made me feel like this? Around a month ago, I ran into a 20-something college student who was suffering from Melanoma.

UV Damage and genetics are the main causes of Melanoma. Almost 75% of skin cancerous deaths are due to Melanoma. Sunrays also causes pre-mature aging, damaging of skin and contribute to 90% of skin wrinkles.

Now genetics is something that is beyond our control, but to skip something like sun protection and expose yourself to cancer is ridiculous. I know we’re all thinking that it is too rare to happen to us, but do not give cancer a chance. Do control what is in your hands. Just like you have to breathe, you HAVE to use sunscreen.

Picking a sunscreen can be hard, but I’m going to break it down for you. Here is your ultimate sunscreen guide. 🙂

All+You+Wanted+To+Know+About+Sunscreens

There are two types of sunrays: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate into your underlying skin cells to provoke premature aging. They have longer waves and can penetrate through just about anything. UVB rays are what you can blame your sunburns on! They have shorter waves, but are still quite deadly.

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Now the easiest way to protect yourself from getting burnt is by using Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF acts as a measure to indicate how much sun exposure you can allow yourself before needing to reapply sunscreen. SPF helps protect you from UVB rays.

Every 5 units of SPF equals to 50 minutes of sun protection. So, SPF 15 means 2.5 hours of sun protection (this is the minimum amount of SPF recommended). Get it? Read and buy SPF based on how often you are willing to apply it. However, more than SPF 50 is usually not recommended so watch out. 🙂

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Now lets ban those UVA rays. Have you ever noticed how sunscreens say ‘PA+, PA++’ etc.? This is what helps block the UVA rays. PA+ is the least protection where as PA+++ is the maximum. You can chose your PA factor based on how much sun exposure you are allowing yourself to have. But do make sure your sunscreen has both a good SPF & PA+!

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You are now almost a pro at selecting sunscreens! But you do need to know the basic types. There are 2 basic types of sunscreens, chemical and physical.

Chemical Sunscreens: This type of sunscreen is known to absorb the sunrays without allowing them to reach your skin. Like a sponge! These mostly go on clear on your skin and are easily absorbed.

Physical Sunscreens: These act like a shield on your skin. They bounce off all the harmful rays and don’t let any damage touch your skin. Notice how some sunscreens leave a white film/cast over your skin after applying them? Well, they are called physical sunscreens.

If you have sensitive skin, pick a physical sunscreen over a chemical one. The chemical sunscreen might irritate your skin.

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Here are some main and effective ingredients you should look for in sunscreens: ecamsule, avobenzone,oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide.

A few things you should remember are to always consult a doctor when you are doubtful about an ingredient. Read the label well to know what is going on your skin. Along with reading reviews, read up about the brand to know if they’re popular for using something that might not suit your skin.

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Great! Now you’re quite a Pro at this. Remember, anyone from the age of 8 months and up must use sunscreen to prevent damage.

Stay healthy, stay beautiful!

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sunscreen: Sunscreens Facts, SPF and Application
Did You Know That Sun Protection Is All The More Important During Winters?
Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock : Daily Beauty Tips
IMBB Approved : Best and Worst Sunscreen 2012
Best Sunscreen for Fair and Normal-Dry Skin: Ask IMBB
Apollo Pharmacy Sunscreen Lotion Review
Kaya Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Bio Bloom Day Protection Lotion with Sunscreen
Fabindia Vitamin E Sunscreen SPF 30
Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen SPF 50
Sun Safe -Lotus Herbals SunBlock Reviews – SPF 40, SPF 60

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