Sunscreen must be used every day and, in addition, it must be applied to all places on the body that will have direct contact with the sun.
Carnival is coming and with it, lots of fun and heat! Even if it sometimes rains, the heat and atmospheric temperatures can cause damage to the skin. Therefore, using sunscreen during these days – and all the others too – is essential. Regardless of your skin tone.
Therefore, let’s avoid ending the carnival red, peeling and, above all, preventing something worse in the future: skin cancer. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), this is the most common type of tumor, not only in Brazil, but throughout the world.
There are two types of skin cancer, “melanoma” and “non-melanoma”. Melanoma is the most serious, due to its high possibility of spreading the cancer to other organs, this phenomenon is called metastasis. “Non-melanoma” cases are more superficial and have a greater chance of cure when diagnosed early.
When to use sunscreen
The most recommended thing is to use sunscreen throughout the day. Even if it is cloudy or raining, the sun is still there, and ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds and are still harmful to the skin. And even if you don’t expose yourself to the sun often or work in an office or at home, you need to apply sunscreen. This is because even artificial light can also cause harm.
Where to apply sunscreen
And what’s more, it’s not just on the face that it should be used. But yes, in all areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. As well as the arms, hands, legs and lap.
Various types
And for those who don’t like to apply it, or simply forget, there are different types for all skin types. Protectors can be found in the traditional cream form, but for those who prioritize practicality, they also come in sprays and for the face, even in powder form. And if you find the lotion too sticky, you also have the option of mousse or gel. So just experiment and choose which skin type suits you best.
As for the different Sun Protection Factors (SPF) of sunscreens, it only shows the consumer the level of protection against sun rays. But according to dermatologists, starting from SPF 50, there is no longer any difference in the effectiveness of the product. The most important thing is to reapply the product.
Reapplying sunscreen
It is also important to highlight that there is no point in applying sunscreen just once. Dermatologists warn that it must be reapplied frequently throughout the day. If you are in the pool or sea, exercising, or in situations exposed to the sun, you need to touch up every two hours. Now, if you are not in any of these circumstances, reapplying the protector every four hours is enough.
The use of sunscreen is something that has intensified in recent decades. However, there are still some myths that circulate among people and that need to be clarified. That’s why we at Women’s Area brought a list of seven myths and truths about sunscreen and explained once and for all the doubts about this subject.
1- Only apply sunscreen when the sun is out – MYTH
As previously mentioned, sunscreen should be used – always – regardless of the temperature outside or the weather. Even if you are not seeing or feeling it, the sun is still there, equally aggressive. It is also worth remembering that during winter, the climate becomes drier, so it is also recommended to use moisturizers to maintain skin health.
2- You can apply little – MYTH
You need to be very careful when applying. Because even if you are using an SPF of 30, you could end up getting an effectiveness of 10 or 15… That is, if you end up applying too little. The recommendation by experts is two milligrams – per square centimeter of skin.
For greater guaranteed protection, look for products that have an associated chemical and physical filter. Because the physical filter produces a local ‘shadow’ and normally lasts longer on the skin. Likewise, color filters.
3- No need to reapply – MYTH
Reapplying sunscreen is essential to ensure the good effect of the product. Skin oil, contact with water, sweat… all of this ends up removing the skin’s protector.
4- You also need to apply it to your eyebrows – TRUTH
It is necessary to apply sunscreen, even on your eyebrows! And not just on her, but on all the small details of her body, like her ears and hands. According to experts, these are one of the most common areas to be affected by skin cancer, precisely due to carelessness.
5- It is important to read the label – TRUTH
Although it is not a very common habit, when choosing your sunscreen, it is important to pay attention to the product’s components. This is because there are powerful active ingredients that protect against UVA1 rays. This type of UVA is responsible for skin aging and DNA mutations that can lead to cancer. If you prefer a cream filter, zinc oxide is the best option. But titanium dioxide also gives good coverage. However, zinc oxide helps absorb oil from the skin, which helps maintain protection, which is why it is best recommended for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
6- Sunscreen prevents pimples – TRUTH
Chosen and used correctly, sunscreen can become a great ally in treating acne! With lines specialized in preventing pimples, it can also prevent the appearance of blemishes and marks. Therefore, it is important to choose a protector that is exactly for your skin type.
7- Walking only in the shade is enough protection – MYTH
Make no mistake, shade alone will not stop the sun from damaging your skin. Therefore, protect yourself in the shade or in the sun, and apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before leaving the house. The product needs a few minutes to be absorbed into the skin.
Also read about how to take better care of your skin in our article: Homemade facial recipes – 10 most practical and cheap ways to take care of your skin.
Sources:
G1, Ibahia, Beleza na Web.
Featured image: Amigaosaude
