Both on a common day and going on holiday to the beach or pool, it is vitally important that you apply sunscreen.
This will prevent your skin from absorbing a large amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which in the long run are the cause of skin diseases such as cancer.
Many people only apply sunscreen 1 time a day and think that’s enough. This is an incorrect idea but more common than you think, so I will explain in detail how often you should apply sunscreen and other tips that will be very useful.
Regardless of the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that the sunscreen has, you have to apply it between 20 and 30 minutes before you are exposed to the sun’s rays so that the skin absorbs it and can do its function correctly.
After 2 hours, you will have to apply it again to maintain its effect. If you do not do it will not give you protection from then on.
Keep in mind that you have to reapply it immediately when leaving the pool, running a towel, or sweating a lot since all these factors make the protector decrease its action, even if it is resistant to water.
Apart from applying the protector at the indicated times, another vital point is the amount you put on. A common mistake is to use less than recommended, which makes its effects less durable.
30 g of sunscreen (the equivalent of 1 tablespoon and a half) should be applied and distributed to areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, and legs. If you are on the beach, do not forget to apply yourself on the torso and back.
There is a myth regarding the application of sunscreen, and it has to do with SPF: you believe that the higher the SPF, the fewer applications you will have to place yourself, and that is not true.
For other myths about sunscreens, visit the link.
The SPF tells you the ability of the protector to protect the UVB rays of the sun. For example, a protector with an SPF of 15 protects you from 93% of UVB rays, while one with SPF 100 protects you from 99%.
The fact is that with any FPS you choose, you’ll have to reapply it every 2 hours to fulfill its function, no matter that it has the highest factor.
Something to consider is that no sunscreen will offer you 100% protection from UV rays, nor will it protect you all day with a single app. If you have this clear when looking for your next protector, I assure you that you will make a more realistic choice.
The important point is that the chosen protector offers you a wide spectrum. What do I mean by that? Well, that protects you from both UVB and UVA rays.
Both are ultraviolet rays from the sun, but UVA causes the skin to lose elasticity and lead to premature aging, while UVB is responsible for burns. Together they can cause skin cancer.
Using sunscreen is one of the ways to prevent skin damage, but it is best to combine it with other simple methods of protection against UV rays such as:
Wearing hats:
especially in bald people, hats will protect the delicate skin of the head from the sun’s rays. They will also provide shade to your eyes and part of your face.
Avoid certain times of the day:
if possible, avoid exposing yourself to the sun’s rays between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. In that period, the UV rays are stronger and more harmful.
Clothing:
The less skin that is exposed, the more protection you will have. Thinner fabrics offer less protection than thick ones. As for the colors, the dark clothes will protect you more from the action of the star king than the light ones.
Time of exposure to the sun:
as far as possible, avoid exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Light them with periods under the shade to reduce skin damage.
Protect your lips:
while it is true that you can not apply sunscreen on your lips, you can look for a lip balm that has SPF. Your lips will thank you for it.
Tanning beds:
the most recommended thing is to avoid using these devices since they emit concentrated UV rays, and in the long run, they can cause skin diseases.
If you want to spend as much time as possible in the sun, you should know all about how to protect your skin. These articles will help you:
- Know the myths about sunscreens and don’t fall for them!
- Umbrellas with sun protection: If you love to enjoy a hot day outdoors, you can do it with these umbrellas.
- The best sunscreens to buy: do not miss in the backpack or bag.