How to Pick Safe Sunscreen?
Use a sunscreen in winter. It sounds preposterous but actually makes a lot of sense. Now, it’s time for us to understand sunscreens are necessary all year round. The harsh weather during winter months causes the skin to dry. This is one season that you need all the help to check dry skin and wrinkles. Moreover, Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the collagen (most abundant protein) and elastin (main component of elastic connective tissue) in one’s skin. The good news is sunscreens contain effective anti-aging properties.
Reasons for Wearing Sunscreens
There are several reasons for getting a good old reliable sunscreen for winter. The snow almost doubles a person’s exposure to the harmful UV rays. It reflects around 80% of UVA rays which multiplies the contact. Stay indoors. Otherwise, look for a dependable sun cream or lotion. Here’s an additional tip. Unlike UVB rays, their UVA counterpart can pass through glass materials. Although you’re indoors, you are still highly susceptible to skin damage.
The atmosphere becomes thinner at higher elevations. Dermatologists also say that your skin is not endangered by possibly cancerous and wrinkle- causing damage that comes from UVA rays. For milder climates, your SFP (sun protection factor) 30 and reapply every two hours for protection. Higher SFP is needed for those who engage in outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
Reconsider the use of physical sunscreen as against the chemical version. It blocks or deflects the rays of the sun. On the contrary, chemical sunscreens absorb the rays. Physical sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are quite messy but provides the most effective perennial protection. Likewise, it offers broader spectrum coverage. Physical is less irritating compared to the chemical blocker.
The ozone layer functions as sunshield of the earth which absorbs the dangerous UV rays. It becomes thinnest during winter. Windburn as well as sunburn also act jointly during this season. Applying sunscreen on exposed skin when the sun’s rays are hottest (10 AM until 4 PM) will shield you from these harmful rays.
Choosing the Ideal Sunscreens
Consumers consider Sun Protection Factor first when purchasing sunscreens. UVB rays are less detrimental even if these can burn your skin. UVA rays, on the other hand, results in long-term skin injury. The SFP in essence is the period you can stay outdoors under the sun wearing the sunscreen without the risk of burning divided by the time it will take to burn without any sunscreen on.
SFP 15 is the minimum for prolonged exposure to the sun. For summer, you need SFP 30 which absorbs roughly 96.7 percent of UVB rays. However, you require protection from UVB and UVA rays. That is the main reason for selecting broad-spectrum sunscreen which ensures the best buffer against long standing adverse effects of tanning which include untimely aging and skin cancer.
Avoid the Oxybenzone chemical, a customary sunscreen ingredient found in widely popular non-mineral sunscreen products. It is poisonous and should therefore be avoided. According to research, this chemical disrupts the hormones acting like an estrogen in the body. Oxybenzone has been associated with endometriosis (tissue that lines the uterus stiffens and bleeds) among women.
In scientific animal experiments, the chemical was proven to affect sperm production.it has a higher rate of allergic reactions as well. Other potential unsafe chemicals are parabens, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate. Read product labels carefully and stay away from these choices.
Vitamin A (Retinol or Retinyl Palmitate) is present in some sunscreens. Vitamin A hastens the progression of tumors and lesions. It is frequently added to night-use lotions and creams for anti-aging. This is a safe option but not for sun exposure prevention
High SFP (50 +) may not be advisable. Sun Protection Factor beyond 50 give consumers a wrong sense of security. It leads to higher probability of skin cancer and sun damage. Nevertheless, sunscreens cannot guarantee 100 percent protection regardless of the SPF. “Water-resistant” is not “Water-proof”. Sunscreens are not water-proof or sweat-proof. Reapplication is necessary every two hours.
Alternate Ways
There are other sun-protection techniques such as wearing the appropriate clothes and wide-brimmed hats. Or, avoid going out during the time the sun is at its peak which begins at 10 AM until 4 PM. Following these tips won’t hurt.
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