SPF Sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy. Below are all your questions on SPF sunscreen protection and the 5 W’s (& H) are answered.
WHAT type of SPF sunscreen should you use?
With so many choices, how do you pick a SPF sunscreen that’s right for you? Solace SPF Sunscreen is approved by the CANSA foundation. The CANSA Smart Choice trademark is only awarded to products that have undergone testing at an independent laboratory and which comply with the National Standards (SANS) or similar International Standards (ISO), as well as the stringent evidence-based requirements for each category as set out by CANSA.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use Solace SPF 30 product properly, it would take 30 times longer for you to burn than if you used no sunscreen.
What level of SPF do I need? If you’re inside most of the day with just short intervals in the sun, you can use Solace SPF 30 Sport. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when and where the sun is strongest, you can use Solace SPF 50 Premium & Kids. They are both water and sweat resistant. No matter the SPF, reapplication every two hours is key.
Broad-spectrum protection
Solace is a broad-spectrum sunscreen and provides both UVB protection — the rays that cause sunburn, and UVA protection — the rays that cause tanning and premature ageing. Water resistant and very water resistant: For swimming or intense exercise. No sunscreen is waterproof; they all eventually wash off.
Solace SPF Sunscreen ingredients
Solace Sunscreen includes active ingredients that help prevent the sun’s UV radiation from reaching your skin. These are Physical sunscreen ingredients (including the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) which blocked and reflect the rays before they penetrate your skin. Chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin.
Are SPF sunscreens safe?
While physical sunscreens may be less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical sunscreens, both types have been tested as safe and effective. In fact, many sun protection products available today combine both types of ingredients. All active ingredients in sunscreen are chemically derived. Some people may think of physical sunscreens as more “natural,” or even “organic,” but they’re actually inorganic mineral compounds. The sunscreens many people call “chemical” are actually “UV organic filters.”
WHY should I use SPF sunscreen?
When used as directed, SPF sunscreen is proven to: Decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin pre-cancers. (Regular daily use of even the minimum SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent). Help prevent premature skin ageing (caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.)
Other things to consider
- Your skin cancer risk factors: Your skin type and family history will determine the level of protection needed for you.
- Photosensitivity: No matter your skin type, certain medications and disorders make your skin highly sensitive to the sun, raising your protection requirements.
- Skin conditions: You can choose from sunscreens for dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin and sensitive skin.
WHO should use SPF sunscreen?
Everyone! Men, women and children over 6 months of age should use sunscreen every day. This includes people who tan easily and those who don’t — remember, your skin is damaged by sun exposure over your lifetime, whether or not you burn.
Babies under the age of 6 months are the only exceptions; their skin is highly sensitive. Staying out of the sun; shade structures and sun-protective clothing are the best ways to safeguard infants.
WHEN should I apply SPF sunscreen?
Every day! The best practice is to apply 30 minutes before venturing outside to allow the sunscreen to bind to your skin. Reapply every two hours of exposure and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Even when it’s cloudy up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth. Going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to skin damage.
WHERE should I apply SPF sunscreen?
Experts recommend applying sunscreen to your entire body before you dress for the day. That way your skin will be protected if your clothing shifts or you remove layers. At the very least, you should use sunscreen on every part of your body that is exposed to the sun, including those easy-to-miss spots: the tops of your ears, back of your neck, your scalp (on the part line), tops of your feet and behind your knees.
HOW much SPF sunscreen should I use?
The general rule is 2mg per square centimeter, however the total amount of sunscreen needed to properly protect your skin depends on your body surface area, and how much skin you’re exposing to the sun.
Live a sun-safe life
Keep in mind that while crucial, sunscreen alone is not enough. For a complete sun protection strategy seek the shade whenever possible, wear sun-safe clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Resource: https://www.skincancer.org/