FACTS ABOUT SUNSCREEN AND SUN PROTECTION


The sun can damage your skin – badly – whether it’s dark or fair. Follow our suncare question-and-answer guide and make a fresh start this summer.


Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SUNBLOCK?

A: A physical sunblock leaves a white layer on your skin. These sunblocks are made up of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which literally create a shield between your skin and the sun’s rays, so they can’t penetrate your skin. The product doesn’t get absorbed by the skin, which may make it safer for babies, children and people who need to avoid chemicals.

A chemical sunblock is made up of various chemicals, and is absorbed by the skin to offer UV protection. If you choose this type of sunblock, look for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and also apply it a few minutes before going outdoors. Chemical sunblocks need time to be absorbed by the skin before they can shield it from the sun. Some sunblocks contain both physical and chemical barriers. Read the labels to make sure you’re getting what you want from the product you choose.



Q: WHAT IS SPF? 


A:
The sun protection factor followed by a number that’s on your sunblock packaging shows the level of UVB protection you will get from the product. For example, SPF 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection. Higher SPF numbers don’t mean you can apply protection once for the whole day. All levels need to be reapplied often, especially if you are swimming or doing physical activities, as swimming and perspiration wash the product away. Choose a sunblock that is between SPF 15 and 50.



Q: HOW DOES THE SUN CAUSE PIGMENTATION AND PREMATURE AGEING? 

A: The harsh UVA rays can penetrate into the deeper layers of skin, affecting healthy cell activity and interfering with collagen and elastin production, which keep skin looking youthful. The top layers of skin are responsible for hydration and melanin production, and UVB damage to these layers results in dehydrated, pigmented skin. Pigmentation and premature ageing aren’t visible immediately, but the effect builds up over the years. Most sun damage starts at the age of 20, but is only noticeable
on your skin later in life.

Q: WHAT ARE ULTRA-VIOLET (UV) RAYS?

A: The sun produces two types of UV radiation, which affect our skin differently. These are UVA and UVB. UVA is the longest ray, that reaches into the deep layers of the skin, causing the worst damage. This sneaky ray is around on cloudy days and also shines through glass! You won’t feel any burning sensation on the skin, which means most of the time you are unaware of the damage it is causing. Feeling the burn? That is the shorter UVB rays roasting the top layer of your skin. Both are responsible for sunburn, sun-damaged skin, pigmentation, premature ageing and the onset of skin cancer.

Q: WHAT IS MELANIN, AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

A: Melanin is produced by melanocytes at the basal layer of the skin. It gives your skin colour. Melanocytes are more active in darker skin tones, and less active in lighter skins. Darker skins are more prone to pigmentation because the skin produces more melanin as a protective mechanism. An injury, insect bite or pimple often turns darker as the skin produces more melanin when under threat.



Q: DO CHILDREN NEED SUN PROTECTION TOO?

A: Babies and children have very delicate skins that need protection from harsh UV rays. Make sure they wear a sunhat when outdoors, and apply a physical rather than chemical sunblock for a protective barrier that won’t overload their skin with chemicals.

Q: DO YOU NEED TO REAPPLY WATER RESISTANT SUNSCREEN?

“Water resistant” sunscreens are supposed to maintain their SPF for about 40 minutes of time spent in the water, while “very water resistant” sunscreens SPF should protect the wearer for 80 minutes in the water. Both types of this kind of sunscreen must be reapplied regularly, as sweat, water and drying oneself off with a towel remove the sunscreen’s protective layer.

If you’ve overdone it in the sun (which is really not a good idea!), there are natural ways to limit the damage:

  • Aloe Vera gel can soothe the burn and calm flaking skin.
  • Plain yoghurt is also soothing and refreshing to burnt skin. The lactic acid also helps moisturise dehydrated skin.
  • Water – drink loads of it to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. This will also help keep your skin hydrated from the inside.

FACTS ABOUT SUNSCREEN AND SUN PROTECTION FACTS ABOUT SUNSCREEN AND SUN PROTECTION Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar on December 02, 2019 Rating: 5
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