Sun Protection
Sunscreen plays a crucial role in protecting the skin by forming a barrier that absorbs or reflects UV radiation. It contains active ingredients that shield the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sun-related skin damage and maintaining a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Harmful Effects of Sun on Skin
- Sunburn: UVB rays can cause redness, pain, and peeling, leading to sunburned skin.
- Premature Aging: UVA and UVB rays can break down collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure can lead to the development of dark spots and uneven skin tone, known as hyperpigmentation or sunspots.
- Skin Cancer: Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- DNA Damage: UV radiation can cause genetic mutations in skin cells, contributing to the development of skin cancers.
- Eye Damage: The sun can also harm the delicate skin around the eyes, potentially leading to cataracts and other eye conditions.
Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Sun
To protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, there are a few easy steps you can take. The most effective sun protection is protective clothing, such as lightweight and long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. This type of sun protection is best for sunny days when you are likely to be exposed to the sun for a longer period.Reasons sunscreen is important for the skin
- Sunscreen is a must-have for everyone, especially for those who are light-skinned, as sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
- It's important to apply sunscreen every day, especially during the summer months, as exposure to the sun increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun and
sunburn and skin cancer can occur more easily.
- Swimmers should apply sunscreen after swimming or sweating, since sun protection does not extend to water.
- Babies under 6 months of age are the only exception to the sunscreen recommendation and should be protected with shade structures and sun-protective
clothing.
- Ensure that you're using a broad- spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure protection against sunburn and skin cancer.
Benefits of using sunscreen
Sunscreen is a type of sun protection that filters or screens the sun's ultraviolet rays. This can help reduce your overall UV exposure and lower your risk of skin cancer and sun damage. It also helps with anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines and improved skin elasticity.Sunblock is another type of sun protection that blocks the sun's rays from penetrating the skin by reflecting them away. It is good for people with sensitive skin who don't like the feeling of sunburn to use the best sunscreen for sensitive skin before heading out. Sunscreen should be reapplied after contact with water, after towel drying, sweating, or when it may have rubbed off. It should be reapplied every two hours as the sun can dry it off your skin.
Key things to look before buying sunscreen
- PA
PA factor ratings
PA+ - some UVA protection
PA++ - moderate UVA protection
PA+++ - high UVA protection
PA++++ - extremely high UVA protection
- Broad Spectrum
You may come across the term "broad spectrum" on your sunscreen label instead of "PA," and it's important to note that they convey the same message. "Broad spectrum" signifies comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If you find "broad spectrum" without "PA" on your sunscreen label, it doesn't indicate that the sunscreen is ineffective. The distinction lies in how these terms are used in labeling practices, with American and European countries employing "broad spectrum," while Asian countries like Japan and Korea use the "PA" system.
- SPF
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin from UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, which can cause sunburn and skin damage. It indicates how much longer one can stay in the sun without burning when using the sunscreen as compared to not using any sunscreen. For example, SPF 30 means you can stay 30 times longer in the sun without burning than if you had no sunscreen on.
Experts advise using sunscreen with an SPF rating between 30 and 50, as it offers effective protection without giving a misleading sense of total sun safety that higher SPFs might convey.
In addition, water-resistant sunscreen should be used if you are going to be sweating or have contact with water. Although they offer less protection from sunburn than non-water-resistant sunscreen formulas, water-resistant formulas are more convenient for those who do not like reapplying lotion frequently.
How often to use sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied every two hours if you're outdoors, after sweating or swimming.Sunscreen should be applied generously and should contain a sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, even if it's ‘water resistant,’ and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.
Sunscreen should be applied every day on days when the UV index is forecast to be 3 or above and should be reapplied every two hours if you're outdoors.
Sunburns can occur even with sunscreen protection. It's important to wear sunscreen every day for sun protection and to avoid sunburn.
If sunburns occur, skin may feel hot, red, and tender. This is because sunburned skin is more prone to sun damage and inflammation.
It's important to get professional medical advice immediately if you have a sunburn and to seek protection from the sun as soon as possible by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
Why Choose Chicnutrix Sunscreen
We at Chicnutrix understand the need for good quality sunscreen. Chicnutrix Block is the best sunscreen in India. It is a unique Korean sunscreen that is suitable for all skin types like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin and combination skin.
- Provide Broad Spectrum UVA + UVB Protection SPF 45 PA+++
- Protect against UV rays & sun damage
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Chicnutrix Block is so much more than just an ordinary sunscreen. It has added benefits of adenosine and niacinamide that helps repair skin damage, reduces dark spots and prevent pigmentation. It hydrates and imparts a nourishing yet non-sticky feels to your skin. Reapply Chicnutrix Sunblock every 2 hours whenever exposed in the sun.
FAQs
1. Can I apply sunscreen directly on my face?Ans: Yes, you can apply sunscreen directly on your face. But always ensure you choose the best sunscreen for the face, one that suits your skin type.
2. What is broad spectrum?
Ans: It is a term that defines protection of skin against UVA and UVB rays.
3. What type of SPF is best for the face?
Ans: Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and contains Niacinamide for the best results.
4. Can I use sunscreen while pregnant?
Ans: Yes. It is safe to use sunscreen or sun care cream during pregnancy.
5. Does SPF block vitamin D?
Ans: No, it does not block Vitamin D absorption.
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