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| Top 10 Surprising Facts About Sunscreen |
How to buy the ideal sunscreen for your skin type? What does SPF mean? Which sunscreen ingredients to avoid while purchasing? Want to know the 10 facts about sunscreen from an expert before getting one for yourself? If you are interested in discovering the top 10 facts about sunscreen, then stick to this article. I am sure that it will be of great assistance to you in seeking the perfect sunscreen.
💡 Table of contents:
Top 10 Must-Known Facts About Sunscreen
Sunlight contains vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient for strong bones. Therefore, taking some sunlight is necessary for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. "Excess of everything is not good."
So, overexposure to the sun is detrimental to health. UV radiation can create serious health issues. I have assembled a list of the 10 facts about sunscreen that every person must know. Give it a thorough read to know all the information about sunscreens.
Following are the Top 10 Must-Known Facts About Sunscreen:
1. What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen, often known as sunblock or sun cream, is a sun-protection skin application. It reflects the sun's UV light, guarding against sunburn and, more significantly, preventing skin problems.
The coolest part is that sunscreen not only prevents your skin from sunburn. But it also fights against skin problems such as skin cancer and premature aging.
2. Sunscreen SPF:
"SPF (Sun Protection Factor) estimates how effectively sunscreen defends skin from UVB radiation." Now, what is radiation? Radiation is of two types:
UVA: UVA (ultraviolet A) has a greater wavelength and correlates with skin aging. It penetrates down deep into the skin and plays a contributing role in premature skin aging.
UVB: UVB (ultraviolet B) has a shorter wavelength and relates to sunburns. It prompts sunburns and is the most responsible for skin cancer. UVB rays are the deadliest ones.
Dermatologists advise using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. It shields 97 percent of UVB radiation from the sun. Higher SPFs block somewhat more UVB rays from the sun.
However, no sunscreen can block almost all of the sun's UVB radiation. It's also worth mentioning that high-number SPFs have the same lifespan as low-number SPFs.
3. Who needs sunscreen?
Everybody, in a nutshell! Any person over six months old must wear sunscreen every day. It involves those who tanned frequently and those who usually do not tan.
Infants younger than six months are the exception, as their skin is quite sensitive. Keep in mind that whether you have sunburn or not, overexposure to the sun damages your skin over a long period.
4. How and when to apply sunscreen:
Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before heading out in the sun for better results. Remember to reapply it every 1 to 2 hours. Shake well before use to remove those particles that may have assembled in the container.
You should apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas, including ears, neck, knees, and thighs. As a general guideline, one ounce (a handful) of sunscreen should be enough to cover your whole body. Apply sunscreen amply and equally. Be cautious when putting sunscreen near the eyes.
Use sunscreen indoors as well as outdoors. Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful rays and is the best tip for flawless skin. The basic fact among the top ten facts about sunscreen is that it is also necessary to apply sunscreen indoors.
Windows are open when you are at home, allowing sunlight to enter. So, to keep yourself away from harmful rays, it is an obligation to apply sunscreen even when you are at home.
5. Are sunscreens safe?
Some sunscreens include harsh ingredients such as homosalate, benzophenone, and octyl methoxycinnamate. These chemicals are hazardous.
The great news is that countless safe and organic sunscreens are available in the market. They do not include harsh chemicals. All you need to do is learn a bit about sunscreen chemicals before purchasing.
6. Ingredients you should avoid:
This is one of the 10 facts about sunscreen that very few people know about. Some sunscreens do include harmful ingredients.
While purchasing sunscreen, make sure to avoid these chemicals:
1. Avobenzone
2. Homosalate
3. Microbeads
4. Parabens
5. Retinyl palmitate
6. Padimate-o
7. Quaternium-15
8. Oxybenzone (also known as benzonephenone-3)
9. Octinoxate
10. Octisalate
Some of these chemicals cause hormones to be imbalanced. And it leads to health and skin problems as well.
7. Safest ingredients in sunscreen:
Those sunscreens which contain chemicals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are entirely safe. Sunscreens with these chemicals provide a protective layer on the skin's surface. It reflects the UV rays from your skin. Do keep in mind these chemicals while purchasing the best sunscreen.
8. How to get top-quality sunscreens?
Purchasing advice:
1. Broad-Spectrum: Choose a sunscreen labeled "wide spectrum" or "broad spectrum" with 30 SPF. It defends your skin from both rays.
2. Skin-Type: Dry-skinned persons should seek elements like glycerin and oils in sunscreens.
Avoid alcohol-based sunscreen sprays or gels. Mild or gel lotions with substances like silica and isododecane are ideal for oily skin. Hypoallergenic and mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are excellent choices for sensitive skin.
3. SPF: If you have dark skin, opt for SPF 15 (it provides 93 % protection). And if you have a fair complexion, seek a higher SPF (at Least 50 SPF).
9. Dermatologists recommended sunscreens.
Here are the best chemical-free sunscreens for all skin types, according to Dermatologists:
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum 60 SPF
Item Weight: 0.06 Pounds
Skin Type: Sensitive
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Price: $19.99
Scent: Fragrance-free
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum 50 to 70 SPF
Item Weight: 0.15 Pounds
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Scent: Unscented
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum 50 SPF
Item Weight: 4 Ounces
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Scent: Unscented
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum 30 SPF
Item Weight: 0.37 Pounds
Skin Type: Sensitive
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Scent: Exclusive
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum 100 SPF
Item Weight: 3 ounces
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10. Can sunscreen expire?
"Sunscreens do expire and shouldn't use after their expiration date." Sunscreen ingredients can deteriorate and result in a watery consistency. They become less beneficial.
Which means a considerable rise in the possibility of sunburns, sun damage, brown spots, and the development of skin cancer." I hope the above "10 facts about sunscreen" will be helpful to you. Keep these facts in mind to pick the perfect sunscreen for you.
