\nSPF products seem to come in all forms, from cosmetics to clothing. And regardless of weather or season, when you\u2019re outdoors, you should be conscientious of the damaging UVA and UVB rays. We often see these acronyms, but what do they mean?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a quick primer:<\/p>\n
- \n
- SPF means Sun Protection Factor.<\/li>\n
- UVA means Ultra-Violet A (long wave).<\/li>\n
- UVB means Ultra-Violet B (short wave).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sun protection factor (SPF) found in our sunscreen products gives us an idea of how long we can stay in the sun before your skin starts to get red.<\/p>\n
UVA and UVB are two very different types of radiation that can damage your skin. To make it simple, remember UVA \u2013 A for Aging, as these are the rays that age your skin. And think UVB \u2013 B for Burning, as these are the rays that burn your skin.<\/p>\n
UVA rays cause skin aging.<\/strong>
\nUVA rays are responsible for skin aging and wrinkling and can contribute to skin diseases. Because UVA rays pass easily through the ozone layer, they make up the majority of exposure. UVA rays can pass through clouds, glass, and even some clothing. You might not be able to feel them, but they will affect your skin.<\/p>\nUVB rays cause sunburn.<\/strong>
\nUVB rays are responsible for sunburns and cataracts, and they can affect the immune system. Most importantly, UVB rays also contribute to skin diseases.<\/p>\nSPF only applies to the UVB rays. It does not apply to the UVA rays, so when purchasing sunscreen products, always look for \u201cbroad spectrum protection\u201d on the label to ensure you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays.<\/p>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat SPF Should You Use?<\/strong>
\nSPF products come in various levels, including SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50 and more. Here\u2019s how they work: let\u2019s say that your skin will start to redden when exposed to the sun in just 10 minutes. You would take that ten minutes and multiply it by the SPF number you\u2019re using.<\/p>\nFor example, if you\u2019re using an SPF 30 product, multiple 30 by 10 and you get 300 minutes. So, the result will be around 5 hours of standard sun protection for an SPF 30 product.<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019re at the beach or in direct sunshine for extended periods, always be cautious with sunscreen and your chosen sun protection factor. Many products are not water-resistant, so you wouldn\u2019t be able to rely on five hours of protection if you\u2019re swimming or exercising.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.pamper.my\/2024\/02\/Sunscreen-SPF-2.jpeg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nAlso, most sunscreens are intended for normal everyday sun exposure, not a full day in direct sun. At the beach or while exercising in the sun, you should consider a water-resistant sunscreen. And as always: apply, apply and reapply.<\/p>\n
Make sure to keep your sunscreen in a cool area. Sun exposure can degrade the active ingredients in the product and cause it to be less effective.<\/p>\n
How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?<\/strong>
\nThe proper amount of sunscreen for your body is about 1 oz. (or 30ml), which is just enough to fill a shot glass. You need a teaspoon (5 grams) of sunscreen just for your face.<\/p>\nRemembering to apply sunscreen to your face, arms, and legs is easy, but it\u2019s important to protect every exposed area of the skin.<\/p>\n
The most commonly missed spots include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Your ears<\/li>\n
- The tops of your feet<\/li>\n
- The back of your neck<\/li>\n
- Your lips<\/li>\n
- Your hairline and any bald spots<\/li>\n
- Around your armholes. When you move about, so do the armholes in your sleeves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also, if you\u2019re concerned with signs of aging, you must protect the back of your hands. They are always exposed to the elements, and the sun is no exception. Whether your hands are resting on your steering wheel, pushing a lawnmower, or baby buggy or even just gripping your handlebars while riding your bike, they are susceptible to burning, aging, and sunspots.<\/p>\n
You should also wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection. Not only can your eyelids burn, but exposure to the UVB rays can lead to cataracts.<\/p>\n
How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Be sure to apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. If you\u2019re outdoors and your skin has already started to redden, then the damage has begun.<\/p>\n
Try to reapply at least every two hours, and even more frequently if you\u2019re swimming, sweating, or if you ever dry yourself with a towel after swimming. It\u2019s easy to forget about reapplication when you\u2019re having fun at the beach or pool. Keep your sunscreen in a visible place so it doesn\u2019t go unnoticed.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.pamper.my\/2024\/02\/Sunscreen-SPF-5.jpeg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nOther Common Questions Related to Sun Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n
Here are some frequently asked questions related to sunscreen usage:<\/p>\n
If I have darker skin, do I still have to use sunscreen?<\/strong>
\nYes, no matter how dark- or light-skinned you are, sunscreen is important. Everyone\u2019s skin is subject to burning, premature aging or developing a skin disease when left unprotected. Don\u2019t believe for a second that if you have dark skin, you can skip the sunscreen. Everyone, regardless of their skin colour, should wear sunscreen on a regular basis.<\/p>\n