The sun is a killer. It’s dangerous to get too much exposure to the sun, and it’s always best to avoid it. But what if it cannot be avoided? This article will show us how to use sunscreen as best as possible while enjoying the beautiful summer outdoors.
What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical used to protect the skin from sun damage. Sunscreen absorbs harmful UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer and other skin damage. Sunscreen should be applied every day before going outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours.
There are many different types of sunscreen products on the market today. An essential factor in choosing a sunscreen is the SPF number. The SPF number tells how much protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. SPF 30 or higher is generally recommended for daily use.
What’s in Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is one of the most important things we can use to protect our skin from the sun. The sun can cause various skin problems, including skin cancer, wrinkles, and age spots.
According to the American Cancer Society, using sunscreen daily can reduce the risk of skin cancer by 50 percent. Sunscreen isn’t just for people with brown or fair skin; everyone needs to use it because the sun’s UV rays can damage anyone’s skin.
Here are some tips for choosing a sunscreen:
- Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. This means that it will block out over 90 percent of the sun’s UV rays.
- Apply sunscreen liberally before going outside. Apply enough to cover all body areas, including the face, neck, and hands.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours if outdoors and in direct sunlight for more than an hour or when sweating or swimming.
- Remember to wear sunglasses and a hat when outdoors with sunscreen on!
The Benefits of Sunscreen
First and foremost, sunscreen protects our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It blocks out 97% of the sun’s UVB and 70% of its UVA radiation. This means that even if we’re exposed to a lot of sunlight, our skin will be less likely to get burned or develop skin cancer.
But there are other benefits to using sunscreen too. Sunscreen can help reduce wrinkles and age spots because it helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. And it can also improve our complexion by minimizing the appearance of pores, blemishes, and age spots.
So whether we want to protect ourselves from skin cancer or look better in the sun, we should use sunscreen daily!
How and When to Apply Sunscreen
When it comes to sun protection, it is essential to apply sunscreen daily. However, depending on our skin type, there are different ways and times to apply sunscreen.
For the most part, all skin types should apply sunscreen at least once a day. However, apply sunscreen more frequently if one has dry or sensitive skin.
To make an application more accessible, many people like to use sunscreen cream or lotion instead of spraying it on their skin. This way, they can avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
If using a spray sunscreen, hold the can six inches away from the face and spray directly onto the body rather than spraying it into the air. This will help avoid any unwanted exposure to other people and pets who could be nearby.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
Sunscreen is one of the essential beauty products one can own. Not only does it help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but also it can give a beautiful complexion. To apply sunscreen correctly, follow these tips:
- Start by properly washing the face. Make sure to remove all makeup and oil before applying sunscreen.
- Apply a small amount of sunscreen to both hands and work it into the skin using gentle circular motions. Be sure to cover all areas of the body, including the tops of the ears and the back of the neck.
- Be patient while applying sunscreen; it may take a few minutes to start working. If feeling too hot or uncomfortable, take a break and return later when the sunscreen is more effective.
- When finished applying sunscreen, rinse off with fresh water and pat dry with a towel. Don’t use any chemicals or lotions on the skin until after applying sunscreen-this will only cause further damage and unwanted blemishes.
Beat the Sun with Sunscreen Protection
Using sunscreen is one of the most important things we can do to protect our skin from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using SPF 30 or higher every day, whether outside or staying in. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. Just because a sunscreen says it has an SPF of 30 doesn’t mean it will provide adequate protection.
To find the best sunscreen for one’s skin type, read the ingredients list and look for something that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and Mexoryl XL (a form of oxybenzone). These ingredients help block UVA and UVB rays. If using mineral makeup, apply sunscreen before applying foundation. And remember to reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
