As years go by, the summer is getting hotter and the sun is getting more dangerous and more harmful for your skin. According to a recent survey, only 43% of us know what SPF really means. Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine surveyed 114 people who attended the dermatology clinic in 2104. It seems that although 93% of them purchased a bottle of sunscreen protection during the year, most of them didn’t know what exactly is and how exactly does work.
The guide to SPF Protection
The sun protection factor measures the sunscreen’s capacity to filter UVB rays that are related to sunburn and skin cancer. The thing is that sunscreen only offers protection against UVB rays and does not fully protect your skin from the most harmful UVA rays that are responsible with the development of skin diseases, such as skin cancer.
However, in order to make the most of what we have, we need to choose a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor ranging from 30 to 50. Everything below 30 shows risks, as it fails to decently protect your skin even from the UVB rays, causing rashes or sunburns that could degenerate into worse skin affections.
The broad spectrum is known to offer protection both from UVB and UVA, although a complete and efficient UVA formula has not yet been discovered. The application of sunscreen is also highly important, as it can affect the way your skin is protected. It is highly important for the entire surface of your skin to be covered.
The main active ingredient in sunscreen is Zinc Oxide, as it offers the best physical protection against the UVA rays. The fine Zinc Particles of Zinc used to leave white traces on the skin but with the improved formulas, the substance can be entirely assimilated by our epidermis.
The timing for applying sunscreen is also highly important, as it must be applied 20 minutes before leaving the house to be absorbed properly and become active on your skin. The face, nose, ears and lips need sun block too.
Be careful not to let your sun block lay in the sun for too long, as the substances in it may become inactive and fail to provide all the protection you need.
SPF products are highly important even if the sun seems not to be that powerful. In summer days, even in chilly ones, you must keep in mind that UVA and UVB rays still have a heavy influence on your skin.
Timing, protection factor and coverage are the main aspects that must be taken into account in order to make the best of your sun screen. If you have at least 30SPF and you cover your body with it 20 minutes before going to the beach, you are good to go!
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