Buying Sunscreen

5 Things You Need To Watch Before Buying Sunscreen

Did you know if the actual use of sunscreen cream is not limited just to go to the beach or just swim? Yes! Ideally, sunblock should be used every day before you leave the house. Not only to prevent sunburn burning sun, but also prevent skin cancer. Buying sunblock should not be arbitrary. With so many options available on the market, here’s how to choose the best sunscreen for you.

How sunlight can damage the skin?

Actually, sunshine is not always bad. The body still needs sunlight to produce vitamin D which is important for bone health while reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lack of sunlight can actually be bad for health. However, lingering in sunlight without protection is also not good.

Buying Sunscreen

There are three types of UV radiation (ultraviolet) emitted by the sun, but only UVA and UVB affect the human body. UVA rays, or commonly known as aging rays, can accelerate skin aging, as well as cause wrinkles and black spots. Meanwhile, UVB rays or burning rays are the kind of rays that can make skin burn.

Exposure that is too high on both rays can lead to skin cancer. Moreover, UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds. Although UVB rays can not, but the radiation intensity is much stronger than UVA. That’s why it’s important for you to apply sunblock every day before leaving the house, even if the weather is cloudy. Sunblock or sunscreen will prevent the absorption of radiation into the skin surface.

In addition to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds and tanning lamps are often used to tan the skin also emit UV rays that can trigger skin cancer. So, avoid using both tools too often.

Which must be considered when buying sunblock products

1. Make sure Broad Spectrum

Sunscreens containing UVB are more popular since ancient times, but what you really need is a sunblock product that says “Broad Spectrum”. That is, the sunscreen can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen products labeled broad spectrum will contain titanium dioxide (titanium oxide) and zinc oxide (zinc oxide), avobenzone, octisalate, ecamsule, or PABA (para-aminobenzic acid) that serves to counteract UV radiation.

2. Check the level of SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, to tell you how well the product protects your skin from sunburn.

The minimum SPF level recommended by experts around the world is SPF 30, the higher the better. Sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 can block 97% of UVB rays. In addition, high SPF products can provide better protection against the risk of long-term skin damage, such as skin cancer. But until now, there is no single sunscreen that is able to block 100% UVB sunlight.

3. Should wear a waterproof (waterproof) or sweatproof (resistant to perspiration)?

Actually, the use of the term “waterproof” or “sweatproof” is less precise because the sunscreen cream will still be rinsed thoroughly if you are sweating profusely or are in the water for a long time. So any sunscreen of your choice, you still have to reapply evenly ideally every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

4. Check your skin type

There are two types of sunscreen, namely sunblock (sunscreen physical) and sunscreen (chemical sunscreen). Sunscreen acts as a filter of sunlight, while sunblock serves as a barrier wall of skin from sunlight.

Sunscreens should be reapplied often, also tend to be more irritating to the skin (especially on sensitive or dry skin). Meanwhile, the texture of sunblock is thicker, milky white, and can leave a white layer above the skin surface.

If your skin type is oily or acne, it is generally better to choose a lighter sunscreen like gel-based. If your skin is dry, you can choose any type of sunscreen, such as creams, sticks, or lotions (other than spray because it usually contains alcohol), but apply your facial moisturizer first. For those with sensitive skin or allergic susceptibility, sunscreen minerals with active ingredients such as zinc oxide tend to be safe and do not irritate the skin.

5. Check the type of sunscreen

Sunscreen cream type can be used for the whole body, including face. While the gel-shaped suitable for use in haired areas, such as scalp or chest (for men). If you want to provide more protection in the area under the eyes, choose a sunscreen in the form of a stick.