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Sunscreen: Your aid in the fight against harmful UV rays
The harsh Ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause sunburn and affect the appearance and growth of your skin. Exposure to the sun over long periods can make your skin tanned, wrinkled or sunburned. It is hence necessary to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
There are two types of UV radiations: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays have longer wavelengths and are responsible for skin ageing. Although less intense than UVB, the UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are associated with skin burning. Unprotected exposure to these rays can damage the DNA in skin cells and lead to genetic defects, mutations, skin cancer and premature ageing.
Choosing correctly: Types of Sunscreens and their pros and cons
Factors to consider - what you should look for in sunscreen
Let’s discuss some factors what to look for in a Sunscreen.
Broad spectrum protection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. This can help you protect your skin from early skin ageing, sunburn and skin cancer.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF): An important metric to consider while choosing sunscreen is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). It is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays. Experts recommend sunscreen with an SPF value between 30 and 50 for daily use.
PA ++++ Ratings: The PA++++ rating system indicates your sunscreen’s ability to protect you against UVA rays (which are responsible for premature skin ageing and increased risk of skin cancer). The more “+” signs a sunscreen has, the higher its UVA protection, so choosing a sunscreen with a PA++++ rating will ensure a complete defence against harmful UV radiation, preventing long-term skin damage and age-related concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Water resistance: Water resistance is also a desirable trait if you are looking for a sunscreen for daily use. Water resistance ensures that the sunscreen offers protection on a wet skin for long periods of time. This ensures that you do not have to reapply sunscreen frequently.
Skin type: Do remember to consider your skin type while buying a sunscreen. This is necessary especially if you have sensitive or acne prone skin. Checking for reviews from reliable sources or other users can make sure that you buy a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin that doesn’t aggravate your skin problems.
Besides the factors mentioned above, good sun protection habits like wearing hats and sunglasses are always helpful alongside the use of sunscreen. An effective sunscreen can make your skincare routine complete. In addition to sunscreen’s benefits for skin, it can also save you and your family from harmful skin conditions that can jeopardise their wellbeing. At a time when the global average temperatures and skin-related conditions are on the rise, a sun protection routine is not just a good cosmetic choice, but the need of the hour.
