Preventing your skin from UV rays is not only good for health aesthetically, but it can prevent skin cancer. Now, how do you prevent your skin from these rays? Sunscreen has long been used as the best remedy for this. And while there are numerous remedies, which is best?
There are several types of SPFs; strong chemist sphere filters (SPFs) sunglasses and creams. However, despite what you might have heard, there is no “universal” SPF that is effective for all skin types and all ages.
Finding an effective SPF for your skincare routine can be urgent. The best approach is to test out different options until you find one that works best for you. Additionally, it’s important to remember that even if you’re using a high SPF, it’s still important to apply sunscreen every day when going out in the sun.
This blog post will explore the importance of SPFs. How can you incorporate it into your skincare regimen? We will also look at the different types of SPF protection, so you can find the one that is best for you.
What is SPF?
You may have heard the acronym before, but what does it actually mean? With the help of SPF, you can assess the level of sun protection; the higher the factor, the more effective the sun protection effect. So SPF means the ability to protect you from the harm of sunlight.
Despite the sun offering us essential minerals, its UV rays can harm us in myriad ways. Some of the ways that UV rays can damage your skin are by making the skin dry, giving you redness, spots, or wrinkles, and causing skin cancer.
A lot of people think that only people with light skin need to worry about getting sunburned. However, people with dark skin are just as prone to getting sunburned and may even have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Anytime you are out in the sun, never forget to put on your sunscreen. Remember, the market is flooded with numerous products but each has its perks and drawbacks.
Which is an appropriate SPF to purchase?
Sunscreen products with an SPF 30 have proven effective. It offers protection for up to three hundred and sixty-five percent of the sun’s harmful radiation. So, how much protection will you get from a product with an SPF of 10? Probably not as much! Think about it – if you are skiing in California, your skin will have an SPF of at least 30; however, if you live in Alaska, your skiing gear may only have an SPF of 2.
But what else can you do to increase sun protection?
- Apply sunscreen liberally before being outside
- Wear clothing that blocks exposure to the sun
- Use SPF lip balms
Now we get familiar with the importance of SPF, and we need to know the types of them and their benefits for our lives.
Types of SPF Protection
Before exposing yourself to the sun’s damaging rays, it’s essential to know the different types of SPF protection and the one that will offer you maximum protection. And the SPF ratings are based on a scale from 2-50 and above because of the varying rays. We have UVB and UVA rays.
Therefore, you may need to know what UVA, UVB is and the broad spectrum stand for. For example, UVA radiation penetrates deeper into your skin than UVB radiation. Hence, products with a higher UVA rating are typically more effective at protecting against UVA and UVB damage.
SPF can be expressed in levels; low, medium, high, and very high protection. The SPF factor can be 15 and below for low, 15 to 29 for medium, 30 to 49 for high, and beyond 50 for very high.
In daily life, these three types of sunscreen have been proven to be quite effective.: physical sunscreen, chemical sunscreen, and mineral sunscreen.
These sunscreens vary in how they are applied. Physical sunscreens should be applied liberally on all exposed areas, while chemical sunscreens should be used only where necessary – like around your eyes and nose. Because the ingredients in these sunscreens vary, always select the ingredients that you prefer.
Sunscreen manufacturers often list their products as broad-spectrum or mineral based, distinguishing them from other brands’ products which only protect against one type of light source or another.
What is a broad spectrum? Broad protects us from UVA and UVB rays. On the other hand, mineral sunscreen covers you against UVA and UVC light. So how is the application of the various SPFs? For optimal protection, it is essential to apply sunscreen adequately at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
When wearing sunscreen, timing is also crucial. For best results, apply it at least two hours prior to stepping outside. Reapply every two hours while outdoors, even if you’re wearing clothing, swimming, or sweating; remove the product immediately before going into the water. And lastly, remember: Sunscreen does NOT prevent cancer!
7 Reasons Why You Need SPF
Summer is quickly approaching, which means more time outdoors enjoying the sun. Understanding how to protect your skin from the effects of solar rays is essential, regardless of the season.
After getting clear on the importance of SPF, we can make a good habit of applying sunscreen and wearing hats or sunglasses.
So sunscreen should never miss in your skincare pack. And sunscreen varies with skin type. For example, SPF 30 is more efficient against UVA than SPF 15.
Whichever the weather condition, be it gloomy or sunny, put it on always. And read labels carefully to ensure you’re using a product that’s right for you – not all sunscreens are created equal! Greater SPF ratings offer greater UV protection, so if you want additional security to pick a product with a value above 30.
And last but not least, sunglasses don’t offer maximum protection against UV radiation. Anytime you are out in the sun whether with glasses or not, apply your sunscreen!
When picking up skincare products, SPF is an essential factor you need to consider. Here are some of the key reasons why:
1. Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer with Sunscreen
The solar UV rays are very harmful. Consistent exposure can result in skin damage and hence cancer. However, you can reduce the harm from UV radiation by applying some cosmetic products with a broad-spectrum SPF. Doing so lowers the probability of developing skin cancer and ensures your skin stays safe and healthy.
2. Reverses Effects of Premature Aging
As you continuously expose yourself to solar rays, you risk your skin to premature aging. You start developing a fine line. As proved by large surveys, having a habit of wearing SPF is beneficial for anti–aging and keeping a young face.
3. Prevention of Sunburns
Sunscreen offers protection from harmful ultraviolet rays – it helps to hinder skin aging and tanning. Due to the short time of protection, the sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours if you seek the perfect function of sunscreen, especially when the sun is strong.
4. Reduction of redness and inflammation
Anyone with sensitive skin is prone to redness and inflammation when consistently exposed to the sun. For you to avoid all these, consistent application of SPF is essential to revert such symptoms.
5. Maintaining an even skin tone
Sun damage can cause uneven pigmentation in the skin, leading to dark spots and patches. Wearing SPF can help to prevent this discoloration and maintain a more even skin tone.
6. Protection all year round
Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, because it can affect your skin by reflecting off surfaces such as water or snow. That’s why SPF is essential every day, regardless of the weather or time of year.
7. Available in different forms
Sunscreen Comes in Various Forms: Lotions, Creams, Sprays, and Sticks making it easy to find a product that suits your lifestyle and skin type.
All in all, sun protection is so necessary and the importance of SPF should not be neglected.
How to Make SPF a Part of Your Routine
There is no doubt that skin protection from the sun is important. Sun exposure can cause early signs of age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration, and it’s essential to take all possible measures to protect yourself from the sun.
To incorporate sunscreen into your routine, choose a sunscreen that complements your skin and composition. For instance, dry skin goes hand in hand with a high SPF rating. Apply it before makeup and regularly for a span of two hours.
Besides, even if you’re wearing sunscreen, ensure you’re protecting your lips too! There are lip balms with SPF, use them to avoid bad UV effects. Finally, remember your eyes! Sunscreen should be part of your year-round, not just during summertime!
To Conclude
It’s never too late to start prioritizing SPF in your skincare routine and protecting your skin for a healthier future. Select the perfect product with SPF 30+ for optimal protection. Remember also to wear sunglasses, as they do not protect against UV radiation 100%. The importance of SPF should not be ignored by men or women.
Boost Your Overall Skin Health with Products from Yastrid
SPF products can help to improve overall skin health even if their main use is to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Yastrid offers a wide range of skincare products that can help boost overall skin health. From SPF to injectable hyaluronic acid, there’s something for everyone. Contact us now for your range of healthy skin products!