Sunscreen is a topical product that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen is an important part of a healthy sun protection routine.
What is sunscreen made of?
Sunscreen contains two main ingredients that protect your skin from UV rays:
- Active ingredients absorb UV rays and help prevent them from damaging your skin. The most common active ingredients in sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and zinc oxide.
- Inactive ingredients help to make the sunscreen spreadable, moisturizing, and long-lasting. Common inactive ingredients in sunscreen include alcohol, aloe vera, and fragrance.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and preventing them from reaching your skin. The amount of protection that sunscreen provides is measured by its sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more protection you have from UV rays.
For example, an SPF of 30 means that your skin will take 30 times longer to burn than if you were not wearing sunscreen. So, if your skin would normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, it would take 300 minutes to burn with an SPF of 30.
How to choose the right sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you should choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
- Your activity level. If you are going to be sweating a lot or swimming, you need a sunscreen that is water resistant.
- The time of year. If you are going to be spending time in the sun during the summer, you need a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
How to apply sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming. To apply sunscreen, follow these steps:
- Wash your face and pat it dry.
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin.
- Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, such as your ears, lips, and the tops of your feet.
- Let the sunscreen dry completely before applying makeup.
Sunscreen safety
There are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when using sunscreen:
- Do not use expired sunscreen.
- Keep sunscreen out of the reach of children.
- Do not spray sunscreen directly into your face.
- If you have any concerns about using sunscreen, talk to your doctor.
Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. By following the tips above, you can choose the right sunscreen and apply it safely.
Here are some additional tips for using sunscreen:
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
- Avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes immediately with water.
- Keep sunscreen out of the reach of children.
- Do not use expired sunscreen.
By following these tips, you can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
