Today we have sunshine – and that’s made me think of SPF

This is an educational leaflet I produced for my Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine Last year

View the leaflet

Sunblock is so important in anti-ageing and skin health

Personally, I love OBAGI SPF 50 for my face

Body, well, they are all basically the same

So here are my Thoughts

As the summer months approach, it’s essential to understand the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. One way to do this is by using sunscreen, a product designed to protect the skin from harmful radiation. Sunscreen comes in different forms and has different levels of protection. One of the most common terms you’ll hear when discussing sunscreen is SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. In this blog post, we will explore what SPF is, the different types of sunscreens available, and the advantages of sunscreen.

What is SPF?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a crucial measure of the level of protection offered by sunscreen against harmful UVB radiation. UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn and is a leading cause of skin cancer. Understanding SPF and its significance is essential for effective sunburn prevention and skin cancer protection. The SPF value indicates the extended duration it takes for your skin to burn when wearing sunscreen compared to not wearing any sunscreen.

For example, suppose it takes ten minutes for your skin to burn without sunscreen. In that case, an SPF of 30 would mean it would take 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30 SPF) for your skin to burn while wearing that sunscreen.

Types of Sunscreens

There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical.

    1. Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, and homosalate. These ingredients can cause skin irritation in some people, but they are generally safe to use. In addition, chemical sunscreens are easier to apply and rub into the skin, making them more popular than physical sunscreens.

    1. Physical Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens, or mineral sunscreens, reflect UV radiation away from the skin. The active ingredients in physical sunscreens include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation, making them a good option for people with sensitive skin. However, physical sunscreens can be more challenging to apply and may leave a white residue on the skin.

Advantages of Using Sunscreen

Using sunscreen has several benefits, including:

      1. Prevents Sunburn

One of the most significant benefits of using sunscreen is preventing sunburn. Unfortunately, sunburn is not only painful, but it also increases the risk of skin cancer.

      1. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. Using sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

      1. Prevents Premature Aging

Exposure to UV radiation can cause premature ageing, including wrinkles and age spots. Using sunscreen can help prevent premature ageing and keep your skin looking youthful.

      1. Protects Against UV Rays

UV rays can cause damage to your skin, even on cloudy days. Using sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV radiation. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how much protection a sunscreen provides against UVB radiation. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation, while physical sunscreens work by reflecting it away from the skin. Using sunscreen has several benefits, including preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, preventing premature ageing, and protecting against UV rays.

Remember to apply sunscreen regularly, especially when spending time outdoors, to keep your skin healthy and protected

And on a positive sunshine is good for Vitamin D production, bone health and longevity of life – a little bit of everything in moderation

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