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What SPF Should I Be Using?

As the temperature rises and summer arrives full-fledged, everyone is trying to stay protected from the scorching heat. You may prefer staying indoors during summer or you may be the one already planning a summer trip, but one thing is a must-have, be it indoors or outdoors, sunny or cloudy and that is sunscreen. Sun exposure can be harmful, it damages your skin beyond repair and causes visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It may also be responsible for causing skin cancer. It is important to use sunscreen year-round and not just during summer. Let us delve deeper into this topic.

What is SPF?

SPF is the Sun Protection Factor, a measure of the level of protection offered to the skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin and can contribute to skin cancer.

If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer). This is a rough estimate that depends on skin type, time of day, the intensity of sunlight and the amount of sunscreen used. 

Facts about sunscreen

Understanding the truth about sunscreen can help people use sunscreen correctly. Here are a few facts for you to know:

1. Sunscreen is always necessary, even on cloudy days, during winters, when the sun does not feel as strong as usual. 

2. People of all skin types and complexions need sunscreen. Everyone is at risk of sunburn and skin damage and taking precautions is necessary.

3. You may still get a tan while wearing sunscreen because sunscreen will protect the skin from harmful rays. It is still possible to get a tan as it is the body’s natural protective response to UV exposure, more specifically its a function of UV A rays 

4. Sunscreen will not last all day after just one application. In reality, sunscreen breaks down in the light and loses its effectiveness over a short period of time and must be re-applied every 2 to 4 hours, at least.

5. The higher does not mean the better. Sunscreens with really high SPFs do not offer significantly greater protection than SPF 30. For example, SPF 30 filters out 96.7% of UV rays, while SPF 60 filters 98.3% of UV rays. So despite doubling SPF, UV protection is only increased marginally.

6. Sunscreens are not 100% waterproof.

7. Everyone needs sunscreen, including toddlers. Especially active kids who go to school and play outdoors. There are kids-specific sunscreens with unique ingredients for their delicate skin.

8. All sunscreens are not the same. There are a variety of ingredients in sunscreens that provide protection against different levels of sun exposure. Active ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ecamsule etc are often used to filter out UVA and UVB rays. There are also chemical blockers, such as avobenzone.

9. Higher the SPF, the greater the greasiness of the product. So, it’s better to use low SPF sunscreen with repeated application. 

Which sunscreen should I choose?

It is recommended to use a sunscreen that’s labelled ”broad-spectrum,” because this means it protects against both UVA and UVB and infrared rays. UVA rays cause premature ageing of your skin, wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Infrared rays accelerate ageing and travels deeper in the skin than UVA & UVB rays, which causes free radical damage. Overexposure to UV B can lead to skin cancer. Dermatologists suggest using an SPF of at least 30, which will block about 97 percent of UVB rays. And that must be applied every 2-3 hours. 

An individual must apply enough sunscreen to any exposed area of skin every day. Choosing the right sunscreen is important and the first step to doing it is knowing your skin type. Before buying any skincare product, it is important to know your skin type. If you have acne-prone, oily skin, make sure to use a ‘non-comedogenic’ or read the label ”for acneprone skin” sunscreen which will not block the skin pores. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients and have moisturising properties.

For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen or physical sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is ideal. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, is formulated with ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that absorb UV rays to keep them from penetrating your skin and may cause skin irritation.

How much to apply 

With the rule of nines, the body’s surface area is divided into 11 areas, each representing roughly 9% of the total. Sunscreen can be applied to each of these areas at a dose of 2 mg/cm2 if two strips of sunscreen are squeezed out onto both the index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips. Users in fact are unlikely to be willing to cover themselves or their families with such a copious layer of sunscreen and would prefer to apply half this amount. A less daunting proposition is therefore to apply one finger of sunscreen, with the corollary that the resultant protection would be only about half that stated on the product. Users should be encouraged to reapply one finger’s worth within half an hour of the initial application in order to achieve optimal protection.

When to apply

Also Read: Vitamin E for Hair: A Detailed Guide on its Benefits and Usage

Conclusion:

Using sunscreen is essential, it reduces the negative side effects of harmful UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. Adults of all ages and skin colours should use at least an SPF of 30 during all indoor and outdoor activities. You should also wear protective clothing and shades to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreens come in different forms including creams, lotions, gels, sprays, sticks and powder. It is ultimately your choice and what you find comfortable to use. Remember that the key is to apply sunscreen liberally and evenly. Make sure to take enough time to review the label of sunscreen before purchasing and applying the product. Never use sunscreen after it has expired. Avoid buying the ones that contain ingredients your skin may be sensitive to. Always reapply sunscreens when you are outdoors for a prolonged time.  

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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5 Tips to Protect Your Skin This Summer

Introduction

With the summer season finally showing its true colours, it is time to roll up your sleeves and take the measures necessary for protecting yourself from the scorching heat of the sun. 

With summer, comes a wide variety of skin and health issues. But here is the conflict, it is also the season when you can finally flaunt your beach body.

So, what can be done about it? Rule number one is to be aware. Being aware of what is good and what is not for your body and what are the symptoms of some common summer-related health issues is essential. Rule number two is to eat healthily and take care of your skin internally. And lastly, rule number three is to take care of your skin and body externally. 

Skin healthy food items to eat during summer

Summer is a tricky season. It is a season when you can enjoy most of the outdoor activities while it is also the season when you have the maximum chance of falling sick. Nourishing your body with the essential nutrients in adequate quantities is very important to boost your immune system and improve your overall well being.

 Eating clean and healthy is also known to provide a natural youthful glow, as a result of all your organ systems working efficiently. Below are some skin healthy food items that you can enjoy during the summer season.

Sunscreen and Hydration are 2 most important things.  During the long days of summer, when the sun’s rays are the most intense, exposed skin is more susceptible to the effects of photoaging, or the premature aging of skin cells caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. In fact, as much as 90% of the visible signs of aging on your skin are a result of sun or UV exposure. This makes sunscreen most important skin care regimen in summer.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

5 Tips to take care of your skin during summer

There are several habits you can adopt to keep summertime skin woes at bay. Let us explore some ways we can keep our skin healthy during summer.

  1. Apply sunscreen- Applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, generously to all the exposed parts of your body is essential to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Apply sunscreen for at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out in sun. Do not forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours as it wears off with time.
  1. Wear clothing appropriate for the season- Wear loose clothes made of breathable fabric and cover up as much as possible. 
  1. Stay hydrated- Drink plenty of water and other fluids (coconut water, lemonade, buttermilk) to make up for the loss of water through perspiration.
  1. Avoid too much sun- Try to keep out of the harsh rays of the sun as much as possible as too much exposure can cause sunburns, rashes or even skin cancer. Try to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours of 11 AM to 3 PM.
  1. Follow CEM- Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin regularly to maintain healthy skin.

The key to healthy and supple skin during the months of summer is to consume nutritious seasonal fruits and veggies and follow a summer-friendly skincare regime. Avoiding too much sun exposure, staying hydrated and taking care of your skin will certainly let you flaunt that youthful glow! 

Also Read: Ice Bath Benefits: Immersive Research Into a Cool Therapy

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Healthy Summer Skin Tips By Dr Niketa Sonavane

Summer is a season for outings, picnics and ice creams. But it is also a season of dry heat and the harsh sun. Coupled with dust, pollution and sweat, summer becomes a trying time for the skin. Keeping skin healthy and glowing in summer needs some work and care. In this article, we are listing out some tips for taking care of the skin during summer, i.e. how to achieve the perfect summer skin, to prevent it from breaking out, drying up or tanning too much.

Dr Niketa Sonavane, a renowned dermatologist, says, ”Hydration is the first and foremost skincare tip that everyone must consciously follow. Since we sweat a lot during summer, making up for all that fluid loss is important. I recommend drinking water at regular intervals, along with adding fresh fruits, juices and soups to your diet. This will replenish the water lost through sweating. Another tip is to increase the number of antioxidants in your diet. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, wines or black coffee over regular coffee. Antioxidant capsules are available in the market too”. However, do not self-medicate and always consult your doctor beforehand.

Another tip for healthy summer skin, she says, is to moisturize the skin on a regular basis. ”A lot of my patients believe that the skin only requires moisturization in the winter. But that is not true. Summer affects the skin equally and hence, a good moisturizer and sunscreen are a must! If you have oily skin, you can opt for a water-based formula over a cream-based one. There are a lot of options for sunscreen as well. Dermatologists should also prescribe sunscreens that patients find comfortable. Even individuals can choose from a variety of lightweight, tinted sunscreens that don’t feel oily or leave a white sheen on the face. Today, sunscreen is also becoming available in capsule form (containing Polypodium leucomotos) for those who do not like using creams. You should talk to your dermatologist in this regard.” She continues, ”Just like the day, hydrating the skin at night is also important. Use night creams that are lightweight and comfortable, so that your skin can breathe at night. Heavy creams can clog the pores. Likewise, if you apply the night cream over a light layer of moisturizer, it stays on better and works more effectively.”

It is also important to wash your face on a regular basis, says Dr Sonavane, ”However, you must take care not to over-wash because it can cause the skin to dry out. And another vital thing to remember is, never to wash the face with plain water, especially if you are coming from outside. Plain water does not remove the build-up of dirt, sweat and grime on the face. That needs a mild face wash for effective cleansing. Plain water will push the dirt further into your skin and clog the pores. And always, always wash your face before going to bed.

There are a variety of face washes available in the market. If you want to get rid of the acne on your face, then go for a wash with salicylic acid. This also controls the oil build-up. On the contrary, mature skin does well with a face wash that has glycolic acid. It is helpful in stimulating the skin and combating wrinkles.”

Also Read: Healthy Skin Tips: Research-Backed Strategies for a Glowing Complexion

So let’s summarize

Enjoy the summer without the hassles of itchiness, dry skin, oiliness, tanning or acne by inculcating these tips into your summer skincare routine while travelling. It will ensure that you look as glowing and healthy summer skin as ever. Also, check out the monsoon skincare routine.

 Read More: Skin Burns: Types, Treatment and Protocol.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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