Summer is just around the corner! The thought of applying sun protection might be more common when we see longer daylights and high temperatures. But the truth is we should be should be using UV protection 365 days a year.
But we all need a reminder about protecting our skin from the harmful UV rays. Lets get down to the nitty gritty about Suncare 101.
What’s at Risk?
Ultraviolet (UV) ray comes from the sunlight, yes when its gloomy, UV ray still penetrates through the clouds.
UVA & UVB: How to remember the difference?
- UVA: Protection from Aging
o Sunspots/freckles
o Photoaging/Wrinkles
o Skin cancer
- UVB: Protection from Burning
o Tan
o Redness/peeling
o Skin damaging
Luckily we have products that can help us protect our skins from the harmful rays. But why is sun protection a concern? Because many people have misconception about it. People use too less, not enough to protect them fully from the harmful UV rays. People need to use more than just a sun protection product; they need to cover with sun hats, sunglasses and seek shade. All sun protection products are not long lasting, meaning they need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours—no matter what the SPF is.
Speaking of SPF, what is SPF? Formally known as the Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sun protection will protect skin from UV rays. Here’s an explanation from skincancer.org:
“Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours. Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent.”
Simple Tips for Sun protection
1. Look for sun protection product labeled UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum to insure that you are protected from both UVA and UVB.
2. Use SPF 15 or higher regularly and as directed on the label.
3. Try to limit the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.
4. Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun (ie. longsleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses).
5. Reapply every 2 hours, even often when sweating or swimming.
6. SPF in makeup is not enough; use a SPF moisturizer before applying makeup.
Here are our favorites:
Luca Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
John Master Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Clarins Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 50
Noodle & Boo All About Baby Play-Day Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Remeber, it's always never too early to start protetcting your skin!
Leave A Comment