Fight the UV | FashNdy

                                                                                                                                                 Sunscreen

              It's normal to have many doubts regarding sunscreens, like what is sunscreen? how to protect our skin from the sun? what are the best products? what are their benefits? Effects? Is it necessary? Best way to apply? Is it only for the face? etc...I already mentioned these sunscreens in my first blog, now let me talk about this, and let's discuss all ours doubts regarding these.

What is sunscreen and how does it work?

                    

                      Sunscreen, the name itself says about acting as a screen between the sun and your skin. It is a cream or lotion rubbed onto the skin to protect it from the sun. Sunscreen works by blocking and absorbing 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.

A combination of blocking and absorbing UV radiation is especially important to combat both UVB and UVA rays. UVB radiation is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate more deeply into the skin and were once thought to only cause skin aging and wrinkling. However, research has confirmed that UVA rays also play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. Still, many sunscreens on the market contain ingredients that only block UVB rays, thus providing insufficient protection against harmful UVA radiation. 

What is SPF :

 The sun protection factor, or SPF. which is commonly misconceived as the strength of protection. However, it actually refers to how much longer it takes for UVB rays to redden the skin with sunscreen compared to without sunscreen. SPF is short for sun protection factors.  In sunscreen, SPF helps to block your skin from the sun’s radiation.
The sun emits two types of radiation: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to the signs of aging in the skin, like wrinkles and sagging. UVB rays are more carcinogenic and often responsible for sunburns. UVA rays also make UVB rays more reactive, so combined, the two can be deadly. For example, an SPF of 15 means it will take 15 times longer for skin to burn while using the product compared to without the product.

Therefore, look for a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 15 or higher so that you can better enjoy fun in the sun.

Myths vs facts :

Myth:  Do we still need to apply sunscreen if we have dark skin

Facts: Many people mistaken that if they have dark skin then there is no need to use sun screen but guess what it's totally false. Irrespective of what your skin colour is, it is important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Myth: Sunscreens last long 

Facts: Sunscreens on average last for 2 to 3 hrs. So we need to reapply sunscreen every 3 hr. If you sweat a lot and feel like your skin is burning you have to apply sunscreen and protect your skin more frequently.

Myth: Sunscreens are only for summers

Facts: Of course we need sunscreens more in summer but that doesn't mean we need to apply only in summers. We see the sun every day so there is a need to protect our skin from the sun every day. sunscreens also help the skin in many different ways so there is a need to apply it irrespective of the season.

Benefits:

1. Reduce signs of ageing

2. Shields from harmful UV rays

3. Limit the appearance of sunspots

4. Prevents premature ageing

5. Lowers wrinkles and prevent fine lines

6.  Reduce the risk of skin cancer

7. Stops DNA damage

8. Avoid inflammation and redness

9. Protect from sunburn

10. Avoid Blotchy skin and hyperpigmentation also protect from tanning.

Best products :

                    

                Well, there are many products out there in the market but what are the best ones? How do we know these? The ones suitable for your friend is not fit for you? How to solve this? What factors should we consider?

1. Consider SPF(sun protecting factors)

2. Look at active ingredients, avoid the one's with Vitamin A and look for formulas with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone

3. Pick a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and SPF with 30 - 50

4. You can  also pick sunscreen sprays, sunscreen lotions, sunscreen sticks

5. There is no product best by name, it will totally be dependent on your skin, if your skin has no problems and shows the best results without affecting badly then, this is for you.

6. So don't worry about the ones that fit your friend but not you. Because you have different skin.

7. Don't just try expensive ones, it is not that all expensive ones work great.

8. Know your skin type

9. Don't apply directly to your body, first test on a smaller area and then if it is good then apply on your skin.

10. Remember, sunscreens are not meant for only the face, it's for your whole skin. So you can apply it to your body as well if you don't have sensitive skin.

Negative effects of sunscreen on your skin:

                   Even though it is very rare, there are some side effects you can get if you choose the wrong product or don't apply it properly.

They include:

1. Acne

2. Burning, itching or stinging of the skin

3. the early appearance of redness or swelling of the skin

4. pain in hairy areas

5. pus in the hair follicles

6. the late appearance of rash with or without weeping blisters that become crusted, especially in sun-exposed areas.

How to solve this,

1. Test before using, use only if it suits you

2. Use daily once started because once we stop using this for a long time, the skin may       develop side effects

3. Do consult doctor if the problem exists for more days

4. Don't try to change products, instead, stick to one.

5. Be careful in summers and while going out.

6. Use more clothes to cover your skin and protect from sunscreen fading

7.  Don't use medicines without consulting.

Best way to apply :

               

• Shake well before use to mix particles that might be clumped up in the container. Consider using the new spray-on or stick types of sunscreen.
• Be sure to apply enough sunscreen. As a rule of thumb, use an ounce (a handful) to cover your entire body.
• Use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs.
• Apply thickly and thoroughly.
• Be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes

Is it only for face:

              I have already discussed, that sunscreen is not just for your face. As one of the big and important organs skin covers your whole body protecting from the environment, UV rays, dirt, pollution etc... so we need to try our utmost and keep it safe. Using sunscreens on your skin will protect your skin and nourish your skin by giving the best results. So Sunscreen is not just for your face and can be used on the whole body. Also, try to cover your body more when going out in sun. Use more clothes, hats etc.. and never step out of your home without sunscreen on your skin.

            On a final note, sunscreens have a lot of benefits related to your skin. So use the right product in the right way and protect, nourish and love your skin. Let's discuss more skin-related products and their uses in our upcoming blogs.