It is widely agreed that the single biggest thing you can do to keep your skin looking good, is to avoid getting too much sun. Not only can the sun cause dark spots and freckles to appear on your skin, of more concern is the cancer risk that comes with getting sun burnt.
The best course of action is to avoid going out in the sun too much, especially during the hottest part of the day during summer. If you do go outside, it is wise to cover your skin as much as possible with clothing and a hat. And most important of all, wearing a good sunscreen. However, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to selecting the right product.
Have you noticed the wide array of sunscreen lotions that are readily available on the market today? It is almost unbelievable that there are hundreds of different types of lotions. You could waste hours trying to find the best one to protect your skin with, if you didn't know what to look for in a sunscreen. Some sun screen lotions really are made better than others.
Listed below are some of the hot topic subjects that you should know about, when it comes to protecting your skin from harmful rays during those hot, summer days. Remember that not all sun screen lotions are the same. Some sun screen lotions do what they promise and protect you while others are just a waste of money. Be sure that you always check the main ingredients and SPF before making any major decision.
Some Ingredients Are Better Than Others
Everyone is different, and some people need more protection from the sun than others and that is where SPF will play a major factor. But it is important to note that everyone should protect themselves against getting damaged by the sun. The perfect sunscreen lotion is essentially one that is tired and true for your skin type. But unfortunately many people do not have a specific type of lotion that they turn to.
If you are stuck trying to find the perfect lotion, look for a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide listed as the main ingredients. These two ingredients act as a mirror to protect the wearer's skin, but they can be rather chalky and white in color. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect your skin against both UVA and UVB light rays. These ingredients can also be found in mineral blends. The mineral blends tend to be less chalky with the same protection standards.
Do You Need Over 30 SPF?
A lot of sunscreens like to boast labels like 50 SPF and lasts for hours. These big promises do not really add up in the end, and they only leave a big dent in your wallet. Most people are under the impression that the higher the number the more protection and therefore the better the sunscreen will protect their skin. But that fact is not completely true. In fact, scientists have studied how much SPF is enough, and their studies have concluded that SPF 30 is enough to protect the average person against a good majority of any harmful rays produced by the Sun.
Are Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens Worth the Money?
The Sun produces two different types of light rays that can be potentially harmful to the human body. The first ray is called UVB rays and exposure to it can cause sunburn. The second ray on the other hand is referred to as UVA, and this type of light ray can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin causing a more lasting damage than its counterpart.
Both UVB and UVA rays have been linked to sun cancer. It is extremely important to protect your skin from both types of light rays, and not all sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA exposure. There is one type of sunscreen that protects against both light rays, though, and it is called broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion protects against both types of rays produced by the Sun.
The Way You Wear Sunscreen is Just as Important
Yes, it is important to make sure that your sunscreen will actually protect your skin, but the way you apply the lotion can be just as important as the sunscreen itself. Remember that the skin is your biggest organ so try to protect it. It is best to try to let the lotion dry for at least 15- 20 minutes before going outside. Always apply the sunscreen all over your body and not just on the parts that will have direct exposure to the sun. Try to remember all of those nooks and crannies like on top of your ears, and don't forget your nose. Also, it does not matter if the bottle has a specific time on it. Try to reapply liberally at least every two hours or as needed.
Using Sunscreen When Lightening Your Skin
If you are currently in the process of lightening your skin, then it is even more important to use sunscreen. This applies whether you are using a purchased skin lightening product or a homemade remedy. Both commercial skin lightening products and home remedies cause your skin to produce less melanin. It is melanin which gives your skin both color and protection from the sun.
Last Updated : September, 12th 2022
Debby Lee is the founder and main author of Mylighterskin.com
She is a full-time website manager and freelance writer, with ten years of experience. She is an expert writer in the areas of health and beauty, with a special interest in skincare.
