Why we need to wear sunscreen on daily basis?

Ever since I moved to Doha (the temperature could reach as high as 50 degree), I becoming more conscious about wearing the right sunscreen. Is not that I don’t wear sunscreen daily; in fact I apply sunscreen every day, whether it shines or rains or whether I’ll be indoor or outdoor.  I was more concerned about the SPF, I used to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 PA++ but somehow I felt it's not enough to protect my skin.

So I switched to sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ and I feel more secured now.. 

Well with SPF 50, theoretically, I could stay outdoor for at least 8 hours 20 minutes before I would get sunburn! Hooray!!! 

But of course, nobody would stay outdoor for that long in here, especially during summer!

Ok, let’s get started with topic!

We all know that the rays that come from the sun, UVA and UVB rays, could caused damage to our skin, from early skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts) to skin cancers. By wearing sunscreen/sunblock, it will help to protect our skins from UVA and UVB rays. Thus even when summer is over, that doesn’t mean you could skip sunscreen/sunblock in the winter. It’s still vital to apply protection 365 days a year!

Knowing the difference between UVA and UVB rays can help you pick up the best and suitable sunscreen/sunblock for your skins.

What is UVA and what is UVB?

UVA (Ultraviolet-A) rays constantly present, no matter the season or the weather. They are so powerful that they also penetrate some clothing and even glass. So, most of us are actually exposed to large amount of UVA throughout our lifetime.

UVA rays are responsible for the signs of aging because they penetrate deeper into your skin than UVB, and has been long known to cause skin aging and wrinkling.

In short, when you think of UVA rays, think sun spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkles.

UVB (Ultraviolet-B) rays are rays you can blame when you get sunburn or skin reddening. Unlike UVA rays, these rays aren’t the same strength year round – its intensity varies by season, location and time of a day.

So when you think of UVB rays, think sun burn and cancer.

(For further understanding about UVA and UVB, you can learn from here)

So, what is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen/ organic sunscreen. It acts a like a sponge; absorbing the sun’s ray. Chemical sunscreen texture is colourless, odourless and runny.  It can sometimes double as a makeup primer (depending on the active and the formulation).

Common ingredients found in chemical sunscreen: Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex,A-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb S and M, Uvinul T150, Uvinul A Plus.

Sunblock is a physical sunscreen/inorganic sunscreen. It acts like a shield; deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays.  Physical sunscreen texture usually thick and opaque which can be hard to apply. It tends to leave a white cast and rubs off more easily too, so frequent application is necessary. Common ingredients found in physical sunscreen: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxside (ZnO).

(You can read more information here.)

And what is the difference SPF and PA+++?

SPF (sun protection factor) shows protection against UVB rays, the rays that causing sunburn. The number in SPF represent the length of time you can stay out in the sun without burning.  To see how long your sunscreen will last, take a number of SPF and multiply it by 10 (a person would normally start to bun in 10 minutes).

For example: SPF 15 x 10 = 150 minutes (2 hour 30 minutes) of sun protection

                     SPF 30 x 10 = 300 minutes (5 hours) of sun protection

PA shows protection against UVA rays, the rays that causing photo-aging.

PA is rated by PA+ (the least protection), PA++ (medium protection) and PA+++ (the greatest protection).

Simply put, when you shop for a sunblock/sunscreen be sure to select one that offers a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.

Who should wear sunscreen/sunblock?

Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. My kids are wearing sunscreen. 

How to protect our skin?

-      I believe you’ve heard advice to stay out the sun through mid day hours, right? It’s the UVB rays you’re avoiding (try to avoid sun between 10 and 4pm, when UVB rays are the strongest).

-      Apply minimum sunscreen SPF 30 on areas will be exposed to the sun

-      Re-apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours, if you intend to stay outdoor longer.

Remember don’t let a cloudy day affect your decision to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. The less you protect your skin, the more prone you are to sunburn, cancer and aging. And don’t forget your sunglasses to protect our eyes too!

Happy shopping and Good luck ladies!

  

Love, Shantz