Choosing sunscreen lotions isn't child's play. After rummaging through shelves of creams at shopping malls one often thinks if sunscreen lotions are actually effective, and then which one is most suitable and for how long. Sun is necessary for life, however, too much sun exposure may lead to adverse health effects. UV strength is greatest from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm during sunny summer days. UV exposure is greater at lower altitudes (close to the equator) and at higher altitudes. Up to eighty per cent of UV rays pass through clouds, meaning that sunburn is possible on cloudy days as well. Did you know over exposure to the summer sun can not just cause severe tanning, wrinkles and age spots but could also lead to a risk of skin cancer?
Qualities
A good sunscreen should therefore have these qualities in it:
- SPF ( Sun Protection Factor)
- Broad spectrum, which means, it effectively shields UV Rays
- It should be easy to apply.
- It should not be greasy.
- It should not leave a white shining film on the skin.
- It should be hypo allergenic. (below normal allergen)
- It should be non comedogenic. (Tending to cause blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin)
- It should have some amount of water/sweat resistance.
However, the SPF number on a sunscreen bottle rarely corresponds to real-world effectiveness, since people with different complexions burn at different rates. Besides, if you are unsure about which sunscreen to buy, do a patch test on your wrist. Also remember, a sunscreen of SPF 15 protects the skin from 93 per cent of UV-B radiation, while SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 per cent protection. In case of oily skin buy a sunscreen that is water based.
Application
Apply twenty to thirty minutes before going out in sun, to give it time to absorb into the skin. Apply every 2 hours. Apply more often if swimming or perspiring as heavy perspiration, water, and towel drying removes the protective layer of the sunscreen. Apply it generously and regularly to maximize protection. It is essential to follow sun protective regimen on cloudy days as well.
Childhood is typically the time of life when maximal sun exposure occurs. It is important to engrain sun safety practices at an early age. Paediatricians recommend using sunscreen on infants for small areas such as face and back of hand where protection from clothes is inadequate. The sensitive skin of babies and children is easily irritated by chemicals in adult sunscreens, so avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” ― Charles Bowden
