We often forget the implications of harmful UV rays on our skin and the importance of sunscreen in our daily skincare routine. Sunscreen has many benefits for the skin and it should be applied and reapplied everyday. Check out some of the benefits here!
Some think they only need sunscreen when going to the beach or when they are going to be exposed to the sun for a long duration. Some already know that they should be using sunscreen everyday, but they don’t anyway. While some only have their sunscreen handy during the summer months. No matter what your skin type is, walking out without your sunscreen is like breaking an unspoken rule! YOUR SKIN NEEDS SUNSCREEN. Period. Whether it’s rainy, cloudy, sunny or snowy! We often use sunscreen during the summer months or whenever we are stepping outside. But what about the rest of the year? Do we still layer on a dollop of sunscreen? And even if we do, what are its benefits? Are you curious? First, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of sunscreen.
What is a Sunscreen Lotion?
Sunscreen or sunblock is an effective way to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Like a mirror, sunscreen too reflects, absorbs and scatters ultraviolet A and B to provide protection against both types of radiation. Apply and reapply sunscreen every day to protect skin from unwanted concerns like sunburn, sun spots & pigmentation, premature ageing, tanning and other side effects.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, it measures protection against UVB rays. The SPF number tells you how long it would take the UVB rays to damage and redden your skin. It’s important to note that SPF only means protection from UVB rays. So, you should look for broad-spectrum sunscreens which means protection against both UVA and UVB.
What is PA+, PA++, PA+++?
PA+ means your sunscreen provides some protection against UVA rays, PA++ provides moderate protection, and PA+++ offers the best protection of the three.
Now that we are well acquainted with the basics, let’s take a look at the benefits of applying Sunscreen Lotion.
1. Shields From Harmful UV Rays
Going back to old classroom learnings, by now we’re all aware that the ozone layer is continuously depleting. The ozone layer has put us at a higher risk of getting affected by the harmful rays of the sun. While we do need our daily dose of Vitamin D for a healthy living, it does not imply that we can bathe in the sun without any protection! Sunscreens are critical products that protect us from the harmful UV rays. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause long term skin damage like wrinkles, and are also associated with some skin cancers. It’s UVB rays, however, which are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Not only are sunburns painful, they are also directly linked to some of the most deadly types of cancers. Thankfully, sunscreen defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting or scattering sunlight.
2. Prevent the Signs of Ageing
No sun protection and prolonged period of sun exposure can cause damage to the skin elastin, collagen and skin cells. This leads to premature signs of ageing which include discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Premature ageing also known as photoaging, is common for people who spend long hours in the sun without sun protection. Fortunately, these issues can easily be prevented with daily use of sunscreen lotion. Keep your skin layered with sunscreen lotion and preserve your youthful looking skin.
3. Reduce Inflammation
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause painful redness and inflammation. If you have sensitive skin then you should steer away from spray-on sunscreens as these contain harsh formulas, including alcohol that can dry out the skin. Applying and reapplying sunscreen each day helps to prevent inflammation from harmful rays.
4. Prevent Skin Discoloration
Having discoloration on the skin and not being able to do something about it can be frustrating. This discoloration is also called uneven skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. While pigmentation and discoloration can be hereditary but it’s also caused by sun exposure and are often called “sun spots” or “liver spots” and are usually tan to brown in colour. They often develop in areas that are most exposed to the sun like face, head, hands and arms and affect both men and women. Applying and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day can help prevent these spots from appearing on your skin and help you maintain an even skin tone.
How to use Sunscreen in the best way
By now we have established the fact that sunscreen lotion is an essential for skin protection against the sun. Let’s go through the best practices with respect to choosing and applying sunscreen.
1. ALWAYS check the expiration date and the ingredients before purchasing any cosmetic product. Ensure that your sunscreen lotion has Titanium dioxide, Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), Avobenzone (also parsol), and Zinc oxide.
2. If you have oily skin that’s prone to acne and breakouts then we recommend using water-based sunscreen lotion as they are lighter on the skin and maintain the oil balance of your skin.
3. If you want the sunscreen lotion to work for you in the best possible way then apply sunscreen 30 mins before stepping out and keep reapplying it throughout the day to keep that sun barrier secure.
4. Sunbathing on the beach sounds all fun and relaxing, but sun damage and sunburn isn’t. Apply and reapply sunscreen lotion every 2-3 hours to protect your skin from sun damage and sunburn.
5. Ensure that you pick sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and PA++ as you need both UVB & UVA protection.
6. You can also experiment with caffeine based Sunscreen, caffeine being a natural sunscreen is antioxidant rich and has the ability to reduce UVB damage when it is applied right before you step out in the Sun. Check out our Sunscreen Range and hop on to caffeine-based sun protection.
