About Sunscreen
I was not taught to use sunscreen when I was younger. In fact if I remember correctly, I used it for the first time during an outing. My friend was slathering her limbs and urged me to do same. For once, my skin did not get sunburn easily as it usually did. Many people I believe are like me. Either they don’t know the importance of sunscreen or they don’t bother.
Come to think of it, how many children, teenagers or school athletes use sunscreen anyway? Not to blame them because to healthy and lively youths, skin care is the last thing on their minds. They are in their prime years where skin condition is tiptop.
Looking around at others who are outdoors jogging, kayaking and cycling, how many of them use it? Even those who had, did it work according to their expectations and what amount sunscreen is deemed enough?
Sunscreens come with an SPF (sun protection factor) rating, giving an indication of how long you can stay under the sun without getting sunburn. For instance, if your skin turns red after 10 minutes in the sun, then SPF 15 allows you to remain in the sun for 15 times more or 150 minutes before your skin turns red. In general, the higher the SPF number, the better protection you have.
So, say you are making your way to a nearby grocery store or waiting at a road junction to cross the road on a hot day. SPF 15 is adequate but if you are going for activities like swimming or surfing that require few hours under the sun, SPF 30+ is good. This is the time when you should be using generous amount of sunscreen on your body. As a guide, experts have recommended at least one ounce be used for the whole body.
When you apply sunscreen, get it done it at least 15 minutes prior to going out to ensure the organics are properly absorbed and activated. After that, reapply every two to three hours because many sunscreens are not photostable (they degrade when exposed to sunlight).
Since studies shown that more than 75% of sun exposure is inadvertent, caused while carrying out our daily chores, it seems logical to use it frequently. However, there are researchers claiming that chemicals in sunscreen could generate free radicals in the presence of sunlight, causing skin cells to mutate leading to skin cancer.
I supposed balance is the key. Even if you use correctly and religiously, remind yourself that sunscreen will reduce sun exposure but cannot eliminate it. Confine your exposure to sun to early mornings or late evenings. Using umbrellas, hats and staying indoors during the hottest time of the day are some of the best ways to protect your skin.
Tags: sunscreen
Natural Skin Care | jan1003 April 9, 2009
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By wirote2008, April 16, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
Its good information about sunscreen blog.I like its.