Sunscreen: Why? Who? What Kind? How? When? & Where?

Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or sun cream, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that mainly absorbs, or to a much lesser extent reflects, some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn and most importantly prevent skin cancer. Sunscreen helps to prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots. sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy. But sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep you safe in the sun.

Why should I use Sunscreen?

• Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage.
• Sunscreen helps to prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.

Ways to Avoid the Sunlight

1. The sun’s rays from Morning 8 A.M. to Evening 4 P.M. are harmful so avoid sunlight during this time.
2. Wear a hat, use black umbrella and apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
3. Use the goggles to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun and this also reduces the risk of wrinkles around the eyes.
4. Avoid the sun as much as possible­­ when the shadow is smaller than yours.
5. Amount of Sunscreen: Face = 1/2 teaspoon; Neck, Arms and Hand =1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
6. If you are swimming or your body sweats regularly, you should apply Sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
7. Applying Sunscreen does not protect you 100% from the sun’s rays. For this other measures have to be adopted.

Who should use Sunscreen?

• The short answer is everyone! Men, women and children over 6 months of age should use sunscreen every day. This includes people who tan easily and those who don’t — remember, your skin is damaged by sun exposure over your lifetime, whether or not you burn.
• Babies under the age of 6 months are the only exceptions; their skin is highly sensitive.
• Stay out of the sun; shade structures and sun-protective clothing are the best ways to safeguard infants.

What kind of Sunscreen to choose?

Sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) greater than 15 and which can block all colors (spectrum) of light should be chosen.  The number of SPF tells you how well it protects you from UV (Ultraviolet) rays which can burn and damage the skin.

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), SPF 30 does not mean double protection from the Sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays compared to SPF 15. This means that SPF 15 protects 93 % from UV-B radiation and SPF 30 protects 97%.

Sunscreen is available in the market in the form of creams, lotions and gels. The cream is generally considered to be good for normal and dry skin. Sunscreen lotion is suitable for dry skin and other parts of the body. Similarly, Sunscreen gel is suitable and easy to apply on the oily skin and on the beard of the face.

If you want to go to a party, you can apply foundation or powder on it after applying sunscreen. If a new rash or blister appears on the skin within 24 to 36 hours after applying the sunscreen, it can be understood as an allergy to the sunscreen. Sunscreen is available from SPF 2 to 50 but for Nepal, Sunscreen above SPF 15 are recommended.

Elements that should be in your Sunscreen

• Parsol 1798 (avobenzone)
• Zinc oxide (Z- cote is best)
• Titanium dioxide
• Meroxyl SX (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane)
• Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M
• Mexoryl XL

How to use Sunscreen?

• Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going out in the sun in the naked parts of the body, including the face.
• Do not forget to apply the Sunscreen around the nose, ear pinna, neck and lips.
• It should be applied every 2-3 hours, even when indoors.
• Perform Patch Test if you are using Sunscreen for first time of any brand.

How much Sunscreen should I use?

• To get the full broad-spectrum protection out of your sunscreen, apply one ounce — about a shot glass full — to your entire body. Most people apply less than half of that amount, translating into reduced protection.
• With reapplication, a family of four should use one four-ounce bottle of sunscreen per person during a long day outdoors.

When should I apply Sunscreen?

• Every day! The best practice is to apply 30 minutes before venturing outside to allow the sunscreen to bind to your skin. Reapply every two hours of exposure and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth. Going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to skin damage.

Where should I apply Sunscreen?

Experts recommend applying sunscreen to your entire body before you dress for the day. That way your skin will be protected if your clothing shifts or you remove layers. At the very least, you should use sunscreen on every part of your body that is exposed to the sun, including those easy-to-miss spots: the tops of your ears, back of your neck, your scalp (on the part line), tops of your feet and behind your knees.

Use Sunscreen even when Staying at Home

• Most of us think that sunscreen is not necessary to apply when living at home.
• Since the effect of sun rays can be felt even inside the house, sunscreen should be used while staying at home. 
• But using lotion with SPF 15 is enough at home.

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