How to choose and use sunscreen products correctly
It seems that no one needs to be told about the need to use sunscreen. We all understand how important they are for the health, beauty and youth of the skin. And all the same, when choosing and using products with SPF, we often make mistakes. This is due to common mistakes and beauty myths. We decided to debunk some of them.
YOU MAY NOT USE SUNSCREEN IN THE SHADOW OR IN CLOUD WEATHER
This is a myth! In fact, in the shade, about 50% of ultraviolet rays fall on the skin, and up to 75% passes through clouds. Moreover, A-rays (which cause aging and cancer) are practically not filtered. And if it takes more time to get sunburned in cloudy weather, then you can grow old in the same time frame as in the scorching sun. Conclusion: in cloudy weather, you can only slightly reduce the degree of sun protection, but do not abandon it in any way. Dermatologists believe that the SPF level in facial products should not fall below 15. Even if you are already heavily tanned. This is the minimum at which you can avoid the appearance of wrinkles.
VISIT TO THE SOLARIUM PREPARES THE SKIN FOR SUNBATHING
This is a myth! Solarium lamps produce 10 times more A-rays than the sun at noon in Egypt. In addition, the melanin produced in tanning beds is slightly different from that produced by natural UV radiation. This is noticeable even by the shade. Therefore, the skin will still have to “start all over”. And you should use products with SPF. You should not hope for self-tanning either, it has nothing to do with melanin. The active substance of these drugs reacts with the horny cells of the skin, which gives them a dark shade. This process has nothing to do with tanning, and skin protection from it does not increase.
IF YOU APPLY A CREAM WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF PROTECTION IN THE MORNING, YOU CAN LIE IN THE SUN AS LONG AS YOU WANT
This is a myth, although, indeed, a similar conclusion arises when you read the definition of SPF – “a factor that shows how many times the self-protection of the skin increases.” The last one for most of us is 10-15 minutes (time that can be spent in the sun without the risk of getting burned). Therefore, it is logical to assume that a product with SPF 50 will allow you to lie in the sun for more than 8 hours. However, dermatologists claim that there is no such cream that does not pass any ultraviolet rays. And in the hours of the highest solar activity (from 12 to 3 p.m.), nothing can fully protect the skin. It is precisely at this time that the most intensive aging and damage of DNA cells occurs. At this time, it is better to go into the shade.
OWNERS OF DARK SKIN CAN USE PRODUCTS WITH THE LOWEST SPF UP TO 10
It’s true. But you need to reapply the chosen product every hour or two. Low SPF (protection level up to 10) is suitable for those with dark skin, dark hair, who darken quickly and never burn in the sun. And everyone else can use this degree of protection, only if they are already tanned. Medium SPF (from 15 to 25) is an ideal choice for those whose hair color varies from dark blond to brown. But the skin is light enough to burn. A high SPF (30 to 50) is the standard protection to start with for people with blonde or red hair, as well as light skin that is sensitive to the sun. In addition, these tools should be in the arsenal of everyone who tans close to the equator. To protect such sensitive areas as the nose, forehead, ears, shoulders, chest, feet, it is better to choose products with the highest factor SPF 50+.
DAY OR FOUNDATION CREAM WITH SPF CAN REPLACE SUNSCREEN
This is a myth. The ratio and quality of filters in ordinary creams or foundations are not designed for prolonged exposure to the sun. And these components are aimed more at fighting photoaging. They will not protect against burns. Preparations from the solar series are able to provide not only optimal protection, but also comfort, as they include infrared filters that reduce overheating. In addition, today some of the sun creams boast a composition rich in vitamins and other active components. They not only perfectly protect the face, but also take care of the skin, restoring and rejuvenating it.
CLOTHES ARE THE PERFECT MEANS OF PROTECTION FROM THE SUN
This is true, but only if we are talking about special clothing against ultraviolet radiation made of modern fabrics. Usually, such things are sold in sports stores, they are necessary for those who run or play outdoor games. An ordinary T-shirt lets about 70% of the ultraviolet rays of the A spectrum, which corresponds to the degree of protection from 3 to 4. However, it reflects 80% of the B radiation. Conclusion: it is difficult to burn in clothes, but it is easy to grow old. So, apply a protective cream, even when you go on an excursion or shopping in hot countries.
REMAINS OF CREAMS FROM LAST SUMMER CAN BE USED NEXT YEAR TOO
Yes and no. Modern sunscreen filters are in working order throughout the year. Then the activity decreases. In addition, open, half-empty tubes are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the products have been in the sun. Therefore, always smell the cream first and apply to a limited area of skin to avoid irritation. Remember that the degree of protection of such means may not be the same as before. Therefore, apply it more often, and it is better to buy a new one.
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