العربية
The best sunscreen is the one that you’ll use generously and according to label directions. Here are some advices to help understanding sunscreen ingredients, types of sunscreen, and more.
What are the most important things to know about protecting yourself from the sun?
Focus on the big picture when it comes to sun safety. For example:
- Avoid the sun during peak hours. Generally, this is between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. — regardless of the season. These are prime hours for exposure to skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, even on overcast days.
- Wear protective clothing. This includes pants, shirts with long sleeves, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly. Research supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize skin damage from the sun’s rays
What else do I need to know about sunscreen?
When you use sunscreen:
- Apply generous amounts of sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before you go outdoors.
- Use sunscreen on all skin surfaces that will be exposed to the sun, such as your face, ears, hands, arms, and lips. If you don’t have much hair on your head, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours — and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating even if you’re using a product that’s water-resistant.
- Remember that sand, water, and snow reflect sunlight and make it more important to use sunscreen.
- Since UV light can pass through clouds, use sunscreen even when it’s cloudy.
What does water-resistant sunscreen do?
The term water-resistant means that the SPF is maintained for up to 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Very water-resistant means the SPF is maintained for 80 minutes
Sunscreens benefits
Sunscreens are used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. They help to prevent sunburn and premature aging (e.g., wrinkles leathery skin). Sunscreens also help to decrease the risk of skin cancer and also of sunburn-like skin reactions (sun sensitivity) caused by some medications (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, Phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine).
The active ingredients in sunscreens work either by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the deeper layers of the skin, or by reflecting the radiation.
- Protect your skin from exposure to early signs of aging
- Protects the skin from the risk of skin cancer
- Protects your skin against irritation and irritation when exposed to harmful sunlight
- Protecting the skin from pigmentation, and this condition is common in women with white skin and open
I don’t burn very often. Does this mean I can use a sunscreen with a low SPF?
Even if you don’t burn very often, you should still use sunscreen. You also want to reduce damage from the sun. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see a burn. Sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime. If you have had skin cancer or precancers, you should use an SPF of 15 or higher
Should I use a spray sunscreen or a lotion?
Consider the pros and cons for different applications, including:
- If you have dry skin, you might prefer a cream — especially for your face.
- Lotions are often preferred for application in large areas. Lotions tend to be thinner and less greasy than creams.
- Gels work best in hairy areas, such as the scalp and a man’s chest.
- Sticks are useful when applying sunscreen around the eyes.
- Parents often prefer sprays because they’re easy to apply to children. Because it’s difficult to know how well you’re applying the spray, apply a generous and even coating. Or consider using a gel or cream first and using a spray to reapply sunscreen later. Also, avoid inhaling the product. Don’t apply spray near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.
Edited & translated by:
Ala’a abu jamea
Resources:
Https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/best-sunscreen/art-20045110
Https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sunburn-prevention-beyond-the-basics
Https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained