Many people know they HAVE TO wear sunscreen everyday. Many people do so. But not many people understand their sunscreen product and/or sunscreen in general. Below are few things to consider before going to your local store and just grabbing whichever sun care product is on promotion.
There are many misconceptions about sunscreen. "The biggest misconception by far is that we all expect sunscreen to be non-toxic. Living in an outdoor-centric country we religiously apply sunscreen to prevent our skin from burning and to reduce the risk of the dreaded skin cancer. What we don't expect is to be applying something that has the potential to affect out health negatively, and even in some cases to be carcinogenic." Also, many people do not know the difference between UVA and UVB rays and how important it is to have high protection for UVA and not just UVB through the SPF. Because of this, most people buying sunscreen look only for SPF and believe the higher it is, the better. High SPF and no UVA protection is just inviting deep level damage to our skin. "I would rather wear no sunscreen at all and use other means of protection like clothing, that a sunscreen with only SPF protection, " says Susan Ingram, CEO of Natural Suncare CC.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only indicates protection from UVB. That's why it is believed if one wears sunscreen with an SPF rating (a numerical value), it will prevent one from burning. This is not necessarily correct. It's dependent on other factors, too. UVB (B for burn) is short-wave solar radiation and only affects your epidermis which houses melanin, therefore you tan, because your melanin production is stimulated. UVA (A for Ageing) is long-wave solar radiation so it penetrates deeper layers of the skin, affecting cell DNA. That's why it's called the "silent killer". Because it affects cell DNA, it can break down cell structures, causing premature ageing and may increase UVB's cancer-causing effects.It may also directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas. Most of this damage occurs before the age of 18, even though the damage only becomes visible many years later.
The level of UVA protection is indicated by a star rating. Five stars indicates a high level of UVA protection, whereas 1 star would indicate a low level UVA protection. The FDA have proposed this to avoid confusion by identifying both UVA and UVB protection levels with numerical values, and believes consumers are familiar with star ratings.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only indicates protection from UVB. That's why it is believed if one wears sunscreen with an SPF rating (a numerical value), it will prevent one from burning. This is not necessarily correct. It's dependent on other factors, too. UVB (B for burn) is short-wave solar radiation and only affects your epidermis which houses melanin, therefore you tan, because your melanin production is stimulated. UVA (A for Ageing) is long-wave solar radiation so it penetrates deeper layers of the skin, affecting cell DNA. That's why it's called the "silent killer". Because it affects cell DNA, it can break down cell structures, causing premature ageing and may increase UVB's cancer-causing effects.It may also directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas. Most of this damage occurs before the age of 18, even though the damage only becomes visible many years later.
The level of UVA protection is indicated by a star rating. Five stars indicates a high level of UVA protection, whereas 1 star would indicate a low level UVA protection. The FDA have proposed this to avoid confusion by identifying both UVA and UVB protection levels with numerical values, and believes consumers are familiar with star ratings.
Although you should protect yourself from the sun's rays, UVB is beneficial to the skin. "Sunshine is healthy. With the event of discovering just how important Vitamin D is in our lives, people are learning to embrace the sun's goodness. This is a new concept for many, but getting the balance right is important," advises Susan Ingram. "The trick is not to overdo it and get sun damaged skin."
UVB converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the sebum (oil) on your skin into vitamin D which is essential to your skin. Vitamin D is an antioxidant and an anti-carcinogen. One only needs 10 minutes of sunlight/UVB radiation on unprotected (no sunscreen) skin such as on the face, hands, arms or back. This certainly does not permit one laying in the sun to "tan" as UVB is also the primary cause of sunburn and non-melanoma skin cancer. Many people don't apply sunscreen to their entire body every day so many people get this exposure while going about their daily errands.
UVB converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the sebum (oil) on your skin into vitamin D which is essential to your skin. Vitamin D is an antioxidant and an anti-carcinogen. One only needs 10 minutes of sunlight/UVB radiation on unprotected (no sunscreen) skin such as on the face, hands, arms or back. This certainly does not permit one laying in the sun to "tan" as UVB is also the primary cause of sunburn and non-melanoma skin cancer. Many people don't apply sunscreen to their entire body every day so many people get this exposure while going about their daily errands.
You should wear sunscreen all-year round, as the sun shines everyday. Yes, everyday. Even when it's cloudy/raining, UV radiation (especially UVA as it's more constant at all hours throughout the year) penetrates the clouds, and still reaches us.
Sunscreen can be either a physical (also referred to as mineral sunscreen) or chemical protection. In terms of the physical protection, think of it like the windscreen of your car. The rain,wind,etc doesn't penetrate your car. A physical sunscreen reflects UV radiation. Physical sunscreens are said to be much better than chemical ones. Chemical sunscreens absorb radiation. It's not the best protection mechanism. Physical sunscreens often contain compounds of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Chemical sunscreens may contain Avobenzone and/or Oxybenzone among other ingredients I have to read over at least twice before I attempt pronouncing them. Take a minute to have a look at the ingredients when choosing your sunscreen.
NB
*Some of the regulations published in a report by the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association of South Africa) Sunscreen Working Group regarding all sunscreen products sold in South Africa include:
*More sun safety tips:
Sunscreen can be either a physical (also referred to as mineral sunscreen) or chemical protection. In terms of the physical protection, think of it like the windscreen of your car. The rain,wind,etc doesn't penetrate your car. A physical sunscreen reflects UV radiation. Physical sunscreens are said to be much better than chemical ones. Chemical sunscreens absorb radiation. It's not the best protection mechanism. Physical sunscreens often contain compounds of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Chemical sunscreens may contain Avobenzone and/or Oxybenzone among other ingredients I have to read over at least twice before I attempt pronouncing them. Take a minute to have a look at the ingredients when choosing your sunscreen.
NB
*Some of the regulations published in a report by the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association of South Africa) Sunscreen Working Group regarding all sunscreen products sold in South Africa include:
- No product can claim or imply that it offers 100% protection from UV radiation. This means that the words: "block", "sunblock", "sunblocker", or "total protection" cannot appear anywhere on the packaging/labels. "Sunscreen" is the only correct terminology.
- No sunscreen product can make an "all-day", "extended-protection" or "once-a-day application" claim
- Products with an SPF of below 6 are not considered a sunscreen, and there is a capping at SPF50+, because the difference between an SPF80 and SPF60 is so small, it's considered misleading to consumers
*More sun safety tips:
- Properties of sunscreen (and cosmetic products in general) change over time, especially in heat, so it is important to buy a new sunscreen every year. Last year's sunscreen just isn't good enough.
- It's better to wear your swimsuit and apply an SPF20 or more than to be fully clothed in T-shirt material with no sunscreen. T-shirt material has an SPF of 3-6.
- The majority of sunscreens need a certain amount of time following application to be absorbed by the skin, so that an even spreading of UV filters can be achieved. That is why it's important to apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes before being exposed to the sun. Read the directions for use of your preferred sunscreen for more guidance.
- Reapply, reapply. REAPPLY throughout the day, especially if you are outside, in direct sunlight.
You don't necessairly have to use different sunblocks for different parts of your body unless you have specific concerns. Many sunscreens on the market are for "face and body". I don't mind oilier sunblocks for my body because it's moisturizing and give's my skin a glow, but for my face, I prefer a less oily option.
I am currently using Sunumbra. It's a natural sunscreen with organic ingredients. It's not oily, so it's great to apply before makeup. It's definitely a good purchase, especially if you're (overly) concerned with ingredients. Sunumbra lists and explains in detail each and every ingredient in their product.
Environ's Antioxidant Sunscreen, RAD SPF 15
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