To prevent sun damage to your skin, learn the proper way to choose and use sunscreen. You not only need to do this in the summer months, but for better protection to your skin, you should do this all year around. Specially in places like the Algarve, where the sun shines all year long.
Summertime is always associated with days spent at the beach or in the countryside, soaking up the sun and maximising the benefits of vitamin D, which is vital for human health. However, not everything that seems to be shiny is gold, and too much sun exposure can lead to issues.
You should constantly wear sunscreen to prevent these radiation-related issues. Even if this is nothing new, there are still a lot of questions about which product is best to use and how to select it.
Sunscreen's benefits for skin
As the name implies, the purpose of this product is to shield skin from UV radiation. As a result, sunscreen helps greatly to avoid issues like burns, discolourations on the skin, early ageing of the skin, immunosuppression, and other, more serious damage.
But sunscreen's advantages don't end there. This product minimises the appearance of acne brought on by sun exposure and hydrates the skin in addition to providing protection. It does this by including moisturising elements that keep the skin nourished.
Which element is advised for the body?
There isn't a single appropriate response to this question because it all depends on various elements, including age and skin type and colour. Nonetheless, SPF 30 is always the suggested minimum because it blocks off approximately 96% of UVB rays. If you plan to spend the day at the beach, in the country, or somewhere else with high exposure, you should apply SPF 30 multiple times a day.
Keep in mind that SPF 30 is only the minimally advised level; for optimal results, use SPF 50, which offers 98% radiation protection. You can use a lower index if you have darker skin because darker skin already offers more protection from the sun than pale skin. To put it simply, take note of the following:
Children, adults with delicate skin, and those with freckles on their faces should use SPF 50.
Adults with dark skin can use SPF 30.
Adults with dark skin can use SPF 20.
How should you apply sunscreen to your face?
While you can use the sunscreen you use on your body on your face, face-specific sunscreens are becoming more and more popular to find on sale. The skin in this area is always more delicate, hence these particular products are made specifically for it.
To put it briefly, face sunscreens are easier to apply, more fluid, and less oily.
Since our face is the area of our body that is always exposed to the sun, it should always have SPF 50 or more, and it should be replenished every two hours. You should use a face sunscreen whenever you spend a lot of time outside in the sun, not only on beach days. With regular care, you can avoid unpleasant blemishes and the ageing of your skin.
Take caution when selecting the ideal sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen, there are a few other factors to consider in addition to protection level. We are discussing filters. Experts advises against using octocrylene, homosalate, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnama.
As for the first filter, it should be avoided since it may disturb the endocrine system's regular operation, which is why it is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.
Additionally, homosalate should be avoided because, according to the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety of the European Commission, it is only safe to use in sunscreens at a concentration of 0.5%.
Lastly, because octocrylene may cause allergies, it is also not advised. Ten percent concentration is the legal maximum. In either case, it's avoided.
Things to do before putting on sunscreen
There are other things you should be aware of in addition to the previously provided recommendations, as our skin receives less attention. She does a quick test to see if the skin is allergic or reacts well to sunscreen before applying it. For instance, you could apply a tiny quantity to the shoulder, neck, or another part of the body. See how your skin responds after 12 hours of wearing it. You can apply it to the remainder of your body if there is no allergy.
But what kinds of allergies are there? From redness or itching to peeling, inflammation, and white or reddish patches.
How to properly utilise the protection step-by-step
It's a pretty basic and useful topic, but the majority of people don't know how to apply sunscreen appropriately. If any of these describe you and you wish to maximise the swimming season, be aware of this:
Select the best sunscreen based on the type of skin you have.
Remember to apply lip balm and sunscreen to your face.
Apply sunscreen at least fifteen to thirty minutes before going outside.
Cover every part of the body, including the hands, feet, and ears, uniformly with the protection.
Reapply sunscreen to your entire body every two hours or after coming out of the water.
Apart from following these guidelines, keep in mind that you should limit the amount of time you spend in the sun and, most importantly, stay out of it between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Always carry an umbrella, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.
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