Protect Your Skin For Healthier And Glowing Complexion

Protection Under The Sun

We all know we get sunburn when we go under the sun unprotected. The sun’s damaging rays which results in rough and aging skin may not be immediate, but it takes only few years to realize the damage done, skin cancer is another damage we want to avoid.

What is sunburn?
It is a reaction to the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the top layers of our skin are exposed to UV, our skin releases chemicals that cause the blood vessels to expand and leak fluids, causing pain, redness and inflammation. If stays unprotected, both UVA and UVB will immediately penetrate deep into the layers of our skin, resulting in damaged skin’s cells.

What We Can Do?
To protect our skin from such damage, we can use sunscreen over our body and face. Sunscreen comes with SPF which refers to ‘Sun Protection Factor’. These sunscreens are rated with SPF numbers. A sunscreen with SPF 15 will delay sunburn from occurring for 15 times (in minutes) longer than normal if using no protection at all. It means, if it takes someone 10 minutes to sunburn and they are protected with sunscreen with SPF 15, they would be able to remain in the sun without their skin getting sunburn for 150 munutes (15x10). Different sunscreen comes in different SPF rating. Depending on your day’s activity, the use of sunscreen rating will be different. As a guide, a rating of SPF 15 to 35 will be sufficient.

Difference Between Sunblock and Sunscreen
Many of us may think they are both the same, but they are not. A sunblock physically blocks the sun’s UV radiation of the skin, both UVA and UVB. UVA often known as “ageing ray” weakens our skin’s immune system and UVB, knowned as “burn ray” causes changes to DNA that can cause abnormal growths in skin cells. Examples of sunblocks are clothing, umbrellas and trees.
Sunscreens absorb the ultraviolet radiation, thus reducing the radiation into our skin. While older sunscreens are only protecting against UVB, newer formulations protect both UVA and UVB. It is therefore important to check in your next purchase which sunscreen protects UVA and UVB.

When To Apply Sunscreen

1. Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before going under the sun as it needs to be absorbed by the skin and less likely to be washed off when you perspire.


2. Need to reapply sunscreen after swimming or exercise.


3. Apply sunscreen after two to three hours if you go under the sun for long hours. Wear hats and protective clothing for extra protection.

How To Apply Sunscreen

1. Lke all other skin care products, shake your sunscreen well before applying.


2. Apply enough sunscreen all over your body; face, ears, neck, legs, knees shoulders and backs.


3. Apply thickly and thoroughly especially going under the sun directly.


4. Avoid eyes area.

How To Pick Your Sunscreen
Choose sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB rays and a rating SPF of between 12 to 35. Read product labels. Look for a waterproof brand if you are using it during swimming.
Choose a non-stinging product or one specifically formulated for your face or the brand of skin care you are using will be the best.
Choose a water-based sunscreen if you have oily skin or are prone to acne.
Remember that expensive products does not mean better.

Who Is At Risk?
Sun and beach lovers, surfer dudes or anyone who spend long time in the sun with no protection are at risk. Fair skinned people are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin tones. Tanned skin has a natural SPF of about 4, while dark skin 8. In addition, certain medications like oral contraceptives and antibiotics may cause increased sensitivity to UVR.

We have to keep reminding ourselves that frequent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in later years other than aging skin.

Type 1 High Risk – Fair skin and hair and freckles that always burn easily and never tan. These people usually have a light eye color and should wear sun block everyday, rain or shine throughout all four seasons.

Type 2 Moderate Risk – Fair skin that burns minimally but tans a little over time. Usually has brown eyes and hair.

Type 3 Low Risk – Rarely burns but tans profusely. Usually has dark brown eyes and brown or black hair. Shows sign of ageing very slowly.

Whatever your skin type, it is always wise to protect yourself with sunscreen, the moment you plan to go out of your house. For me, I know my schedule of the day and I will apply sunscreen all over my face, neck, shoulder, hand and legs not only to avoid skin cancer but for even skin tone.

Would you apply sunscreen the next time you go out of your house, rain or shine, all seasons for better, glowing and healthy skin?

I hope you enjoy my post!

Wishing you young forever

Janice