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Sun, Skin & Sunscreens: Tips & Facts
- Skin care
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Dr. Anushree Khanvte - 0 comments
We all love the idea of a bright sunny day on the beach. While it truly is one of the best ideas for a good holiday, here are few things to keep in mind the next we plan that trip.
Q. What is sunlight composed of?
A. Solar spectrum includes rays ranging from very short cosmic rays to very long radio waves. Most are filtered by atmosphere. The ones that reach the earth (and hence our skin) are ultraviolet rays, visible rays and infrared rays.
Q. Why are ultraviolet rays more important than the rest?
A. These have highest energy and so cause the most biological changes in our skin. Important ones being ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVB has higher energy so causes more damage.
Q. What are the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin?
A. UV rays penetrate almost all layers of the skin causing immediate effectsand long-term effects. 1) Immediate effects occur minutes to days after sun exposure and include
A. These have highest energy and so cause the most biological changes in our skin. Important ones being ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVB has higher energy so causes more damage.
Q. What are the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin?
A. UV rays penetrate almost all layers of the skin causing immediate effectsand long-term effects. 1) Immediate effects occur minutes to days after sun exposure and include
- sunburn (redness, blistering),
- pigmentation (tanning), and
- sun allergies.
Q. How can we protect our skin from these effects?
A. Use of physical methods like hats, umbrellas and by regular use of sunscreens.
Q. How do sunscreens work?
A. Depending on how they act there are two types of sunscreens
1) Physical sunscreen: one that forms a barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays. Eg.Calamine, talc, kaolin.
2) Chemical sunscreen: one that absorbs UV rays and undergoes a change in its chemical structure that prevents penetration. These are further divided into UVA filters UVB filters and broad-spectrum (combined action on UVA and UVB)
Q. What is the correct method of applying sunscreen?
A. Sunscreen should be applied to all sun exposed areas and allowed to dry completely before stepping out, Reapplied every 3 to 4 hours or after swimming, washing face or profusely sweating. One can follow the “tea spoon rule”
1) 3ML ( little more than half teaspoon for each arm and forface+neck)
2) 6ML (little more than one teaspoon for chest,back, and each leg)
Q. How to choose a sunscreen for yourself?
A. For hot & humid climate, a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA + UVB) with SPF 30 to 50 depending on cost and affordability, water based or matte finish ones for oily skin types. For acne prone skin, go for sunscreens mentioning term”non-comedogenic”. Tinted sunscreen for darker skin tones are also available, helping you prevent the whitish unnatural look.
Q. What is SPF?
A. SPF stands for Sun protection factor which measures how much UVB protection your sunscreen offers. SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB. SPF of 30 blocks 97% of UVB
Q. Do I need to apply sunscreen on cloudy/rainy days?
A. Yes definitely, as the UV rays can still reach the earth through the clouds.
Q. Can sunscreens have harmful effects?
A. Generally sunscreens are very safe Rarely one may experience an allergic reaction like redness, itching or other symptoms following application, If so, stop use immediately and consult a dermatologist.
Q. Who should avoid sunscreen?
A. 1) Pregnant and breastfeeding others should avoid chemical sunscreen. Physical ones may be used
2) Infants below six months
Q. Common concern regarding use of sunscreen- if they can cause Vit D deficiency?
A. Although sunlight is essential for vitamin synthesis, ontys a fewr minutes of exposure two or three times a week is enough for vitamin D synthesis in our body, Studies have shown that even with regular use of sunscreens, there is no decrease in blood levels of Vit D in people.
Final take on sunscreens- overexposure to sun rays especially in a climate like ours can have damaging effects on skin. In today’s selfie age, when everyone wants to look their best, a good skin care routine must involve a regular sunscreen whenever stepping out, It not only treats pigmentation and delays ageing. but also helps getting an even and lighter skin tone. So the next time you step out for your holidayc orf forw work, don’t forget your sunscreen!
Dr. Anushree Khanvte
DERMATOLOGIST & COSMETOLOGIST
RESILIENCE CLINIC, PILAR GOA-VELHA
For Appointments, Call: 9637012953