Now that summer
has hit with a bang, we’ll definitely be exposed to more sun. The warmth is
great, but beware: in later years, you’ll forever regret exposing your skin to
the UV light without sunscreen.
Sunscreen
blocks and absorbs UV rays through a combination of physical and chemical
particles. Physical particles, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are
used to reflect UV radiation from the skin. At the same time, complex chemical
ingredients in sunscreen react with radiation before it penetrates the skin,
absorbing the rays and releasing the energy as heat.
UVB
radiation is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. But UVA rays penetrate
more deeply into the skin. And recent research has confirmed that UVA rays also
play a significant role in developing skin cancer.
Now
that UVA dangers are well known, broad-spectrum sunscreens provide clear
information on product labels about protection against both UVB and UVA.
Another
factor to consider in sunscreen is the sun protection factor, or SPF. This refers
to how much longer it takes for UVB rays to redden the skin with sunscreen
compared to without sunscreen. For example, an SPF of 50 means it will take 50
times longer for skin to burn while using the product compared to without the
product.
So, look for
a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 50 or
higher. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a water-resistant sunscreen is
essential. Unfortunately, no
sunscreen is waterproof; they all eventually wash off. Sunscreens labelled
water-resistant are tested to be effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming.
Sunscreen
should be applied every single day – about 30 minutes before venturing outside.
Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Lasermed
stocks an extensive range of sunscreens.
