Know Your Skin Type and SPF

Whether it is summer or winter, sunny or gloomy, sunscreen is a must. Most often than not, we use sunscreen only and right before we step out in the scorching sun, but your skin should be protected anytime you are in the sun, even during winter. Sunscreen lotions have bemused us as consumers. It is of paramount importance to know your skin type and purchase skincare products in accordance. A good sunscreen suitable for every skin type can prove to be beneficial for family health.

FOCUS ON LONG LASTING PROTECTION

Sunscreen is a must at all ages and choosing the correct product is even more important. Look for broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA. Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octyl methyl cinnamate) sulisobenzone, salicylates, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).

SUN PROTECTION FACTOR AND SKIN TYPES

If your skin is allergy-prone or you suffer from severe acne, you must avoid products containing preservatives or fragrances, as well as those containing PABA or oxybenzone. If your skin remains dry for the better part of the year, it will surely benefit from moisturizing sunscreens with an SPF 30+. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15+. It’s time to call a truce in the war between oily skin and sunscreens! Use an ultra-light sunscreen if your face tends to get greasy by the end of the day. An ‘SPF 15’ screens 93 percent of UVB rays, while an ‘SPF30’ screens 97 percent. If you’re going to be outside for a prolonged period of time, experts recommend a minimum of SPF 30.

KEEP AGE IN MIND

Sun protection requirements change with age and the amount of exposure to the sun. Most sunscreens available today combine different active chemical and physical ingredients to provide broad-spectrum protection. Individuals using high SPF sunscreens can receive skin-damaging radiation to a certain extent.  Regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia have adopted certain UVA testing guidelines and measurement standards and capped the SPF of sunscreens at 50+.

DERMATOLOGY TREATMENTS

‘Prevention is better than cure’. It is easier to prevent sunburn than to treat it. However, if you are mildly sunburned, you can treat it at home. Aloe-based moisturizing lotions can help treat sunburns. If the sunburn is spread over a large area, you might require medical attention. There are several laser treatments available which can help you recover and rejuvenate your skin. One of them is Laser Skin Resurfacing which removes the damaged outer layers of the skin, leaving the deeper layers undisturbed. Dermatology treatments are not necessary in your 20s and 30s. Post 45 years, these treatments help reduce wrinkles and lines which develop over the years due to exposure to the sun.

UV rays are the most common cause of skin cancer. A condition called Actinic Keratosis is characterized by scaly patches of skin and can be a warning sign that points to potential cancerous cells. It is important to have your skin checked every month and visit a board-certified dermatologist for an annual screening to prevent skin cancer. Take care of your skin at all ages and invest in a good MEDICAL INSURANCE for family health, overall fitness and well-being.