As much as the sun is important to all living things, too much of it can be harmful –even plants wilt because of too much sun. While hydration is a good way to fight the heat, drinking lots of water will not help in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This is where sunscreen comes in. Skin damage due to the sun’s rays can build up through continued exposure. Whether you easily get sunburn or the opposite, it is still important to protect your skin. In addition to a number of ailments that can be caused by the sun i.e. the big C, there are other effects you need to worry about. This includes wrinkling and even premature ageing.
Sun worshippers the world over usually have almost leather-like skin and this isn’t something you would want to happen to your skin unless of course you are aiming to look like a handbag. Kidding aside, too much sun is bad for you. Current research shows that excessive exposure to UV rays can also affect the body’s immune system and in a very bad way.
What’s so bad about ultraviolet rays? UVA and UVB are both dangerous. The shorter ultraviolet rays more popularly known as UVB can cause sunburn while the longer wavelengths i.e. UVA, can go through the skin and cause deeper level damage. Experts say that it s vital to limit one’s exposure to both types of rays.
Sunscreen plays a vital role in reducing the sun’s harmful effects. Of course, there is still a need for you to limit sun exposure even if you are wearing sunscreen. An SPF15 lotion for example, does not mean you are encouraged to stay out in the sun longer than usual just because you have 15 times more protection from UV rays than say a lotion with a lower SPF. Although sunscreen helps, it is still a good idea to take precautions. If there is no need for you to stay out in the sun for too long, then you shouldn’t. One must remember that the sun’s rays are more dangerous from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon especially during the warmer months. During wintertime, there is still a need to wear sunscreen because the snow reflects the sun’s rays.
What brand should I get?
There are many sunscreen brands out there and this makes it difficult for most of us to choose which brand we should use. All sunscreen lotions and anything that has an SPF of whatever number on it are tested by the FDA so it does not really matter whether you choose to buy a cheap one or the most expensive sunscreen on earth. What should make it difficult is for you to choose are the other ingredients in your SPF lotion. You can opt to get a water based one, a spray, or one that is not too greasy –it’s your choice.
Abroad, there are SPF15 and up lotions that also have skin whitening ingredients while others have aloe extract for extra smooth skin. Whatever the additional ingredient, pick something that suits your preferences.
SPF15 vs SPF45 and above: What’s the difference?
Lots of consumers are confused as to what difference the numbers on SPF make. Let me give you an example, an SPF15 lotion will protect your skin 15 times as compared to no protection at all. There is also a common misconception that the SPF value is calculated by how long it takes for one to get a sunburn without using sunscreen. The truth of the matter is, getting sunburn is different from one person to the next and it is dependent on where you are, what time you were out in the sun and how long you were out in the sun.
