How to Select a Sunscreen?

Introduction:

Ultraviolet radiation like UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) have been well documented to have multiple effects on human skin. Ultraviolet radiation causes not only skin cancer but also cutaneous aging like seborrheic keratosis (a non-cancerous skin condition), photo melanosis (brown patches on the body and face, or pigmentation on sun-exposed parts), wrinkles, polymorphous light eruption, melasma (brown patches on the face), freckles (pigment cell clusters on skin), lentigines (or liver spots occur on the skin area exposed to the sun), and urticaria or hives (a skin reaction causing itching). The article talks in detail about the best sun protection creams for the face and how one should choose sunscreens according to their skin type and skin concerns.

What Is a Sun Protection Factor?

Sun protection factor is also called SPF and is measured in the laboratory with a light source. It is a theoretical amount of time one can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. For example, an SPF of 30 would allow a person to stay in the sun 30 times longer than they could without protection. SPF is the degree of protection from ultraviolet B and does not protect ultraviolet A.

What Are the Types of Sunscreen?

• Sunscreen agents are classified as either chemical sunscreen, which absorbs light, and physical sunscreen, which reflects, scatters, and absorbs light.

• Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide are always better than chemical sunscreens.

• On comparing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide physical sunscreens, zinc oxide is superior in terms of UVA protection and is less pasty.

• Avobenzone is the only available chemical sunscreen agent that offers protection against long-wave UVA, which is mainly responsible for cutaneous cancer, polymorphic light eruptions (caused by UV light, and making skin area inflamed), and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory disease that attacks its tissues).

• So, before buying sunscreen, one must check the availability of these agents in sunscreen, which give a broader range of sun protection.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Physical and Chemical Sunscreens?

Physical Sunscreens:

• They contain substances like zinc oxide or can be available in combination with titanium dioxide.

• It provides a protective seal over the skin's surface, reflecting and protecting the skin from UV light.

• They tend to leave the skin with a white tinge.

• It is made with minerals.

• It is generally thicker and is hard to blend, so it is not preferred for everyday use.

• After applying this sunscreen, there is no need to wait for 15 to 30 minutes because it starts to work instantly.

• Physical sunscreens are preferred for people with sensitive skin (rosacea).

Chemical Sunscreens:

• They contain organic and carbon-based compounds, which absorb UV light and prevent them from penetrating the skin.

• They are absorbed fully into the skin but may irritate people with sensitive skin.

• It is made with ultraviolet (UV) filters.

• It is generally lighter and non-sticky, so it can be used on the skin daily.

• It takes at least 30 minutes to work, so apply the chemical sunscreens before 30 minutes of stepping out.

• Chemical sunscreens are preferred for people with oily skin.

Why Are Water Resistance Sunscreens Preferred?

When a person is going to the pool or beach in the summer, wearing water-resistant sunscreen is important because it helps the sunscreen to stay even on the wet skin. Water-resistant sunscreens are a smart option for daily use as well because the rule of thumb is that people should reapply sunscreen every two hours. And many of them do not realize that they are sweating more with their sunscreen throughout the day, especially when it is humid, so in such cases, water-resistant sunscreens give people extra protection even when they are not in actual water. Therefore, one must read the labels carefully whether they contain water resistance or not before buying. Also, sunscreen labels that say to be water-resistant must indicate how long the product can be worn while swimming or sweating to reapply it.

Why Does Broad-Spectrum Matter While Picking a Sunscreen?

Broad-spectrum is the sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), UVA causes wrinkles, and UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer. Most people tend to think about sunburns when it comes to sun protection. But the truth is, they do not know the different types of sun damage it causes. Ultraviolet A rays enter the deeper surface of the skin and may cause signs of aging. These ultraviolet A rays are present throughout the year; even when it is cloudy or sunny, they can enter the windows with the same intensity.

What Should One Look for When Buying Sunscreen?

One should always look for the following details while buying sunscreen:

• Sun protection formula or SPF is 30 or higher as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

• The sunscreen should be broad spectrum, that is it must offer protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.

• A sunscreen must be water-resistant, that is it must stay on the skin before one needs to reply.

What Are the Sun Protection Measures?

Photo-exposed areas need certain protective measures from direct sunlight. They are as follows:

• Avoid the midday sun, especially from 10 AM (Ante Meridiem) to 4 PM (Post Meridiem). Seek shade whenever possible.

• Wear tightly woven cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants whenever going out in the sun. Also, wear broad-brimmed hats.

• Protect the eyes with UV-filtered sunglasses.

• Beware of high altitude places as there are fewer atmospheres to absorb UV rays.

• Be cautious at river beds, beaches, and snow places, as 80 percent of UV rays are reflected.

• Then apply plenty of sunscreen to sun-exposed areas in a concentration of 2 mg/cm square.

How to Apply a Sunscreen?

To apply sunscreen, follow the teaspoon rule:

• 3 ml (milliliters), that is, slightly more than half a teaspoon, is applied for each arm and the face and neck.

• 6 ml, slightly more than a teaspoon, is applied to each leg, chest, and back.

The sunscreens protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet rays, provided they are applied 30 minutes to one hour before exposure. It should be reapplied after excessive sweating or swimming or during prolonged ultraviolet exposure. An SPF of at least 30 should be used by fair-skinned individuals and reapplied every four to six hours as there are no such sunscreens that are completely waterproof. So, reapplication is important.

Daily use of sunscreen is more protective than intermittent use. Sunscreen should be applied even on cloudy days.

Conclusion:

Always look into the label while selecting a sunscreen, and check for words like ‘broad spectrum,’ which means the sunscreen can protect the skin from both UVA rays and UVB rays. Also, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be preferred. The word ‘water-resistant’ on the label indicates that sunscreen can stay on wet or sweaty skin before it needs to be reapplied. Not all sunscreens offer water resistance, and water resistance lasts for 40 to 80 minutes. So, looking at the label for these words is mandatory before buying sunscreens.