Sunscreens : Protect Your Skin

Summer means lots of out-of-doors time. It is the time you want to go out and enjoy the sun with your dear ones.Sun exposure can lead to sunburn, as large amount of UV rays penetrates to the skin which can cause skin cancer. Excess exposure can also lead to tanning and rashes, to protect yourself from harmful effects of sunrays you need to invest in good quality sunscreen.To protect your skin, you could use a sunscreen which screens out the burning rays or you could use a sunblock to block out the sun completely.

With the advent of modern skincare products, a sunscreen or a sunblock is determined on the basis of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) present in it. Any sunscreen which has SPF 15 helps you protect the skin for 15 more minutes than an unprotected skin. Sunscreens with SPF 30 or more can be effective for 1 to 2 hours. But remember to reapply the sunscreen every two hours.

Regardless of your skin type, sunscreens should always be used over moisturiser and under make-up. Moisturisers and makeup products with SPF are now available in the market. Apply the sunscreen 15 -20 minutes before you go out in the sun.

Here are a few reasons on how sunscreen help protect your skin.

1. Protection from UV rays
   Sunscreens contains mineral zinc oxide which provides protection from harmful sun UV rays, it acts a shield against UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn whereas UVA rays play a major role in premature ageing.

2. Reduces the chances of skin cancer
   Excess sun exposure can irritate the skin and can cause the skin cells to die. Application of sunscreen daily protects the skin and with the continuous use of the sunscreen one can feel the change.

3. Prevents Tanning
   Tanning refers to the darkening of the skin tone when it is exposed to the UV rays, UV rays increases melanin production which causes tanning.The shield provided by the sunscreen protects from skin discoloration and enhances the health of the skin.

4. Prevents sunburn
   As already mentioned, sunrays can lead to sunburn and formation of dead skin cells might cause skin cancer. Sunscreens protect the skin from direct UV ray’s exposure. Regular use of the sunscreen can easily prevent sunburn.

5. Protects from chlorinated/salty water
   Who doesn’t love swimming in summers? But the salty/chlorinated water can cause skin tan and can harm the skin in various ways; it can lead to dark patches, acne and spots. Application of sunscreen before direct contact with salted or chlorinated water can prevent such effects. It acts as a shield which doesn’t allow the salts of the water to affect the skin.

6. Prevents premature aging
   UV light damages collagen and elastic tissues in the skin, so it becomes fragile and the face shape is highly affected causing sagging. Sun rays causes wrinkles, pigmentation, sunspots and reduced skin elasticity. Sunscreen helps in protecting the skin from any such causes.

TIPS ON APPLICATION OF SUNSCREEN

1. It must be applied at least half an hour before having any contact with the UV rays.
   
   
2. Put your sunscreen first and then layer it up with a moisturizer.
   
   
3. Invest in a matte and non-greasy sunscreen as the skin usually gets oily and use of cream-based sunscreen can make your skin greasy.