Most people know that sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and everyone should include sunscreen in their daily skincare routine whether it’s summer or winter. But many are not aware of some important facts about sunscreens. This article will guide you about those important yet ignored facts about sunscreens.
What are sunscreens?
Sunscreen, also known as sunblock, sun cream or suntan lotion, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that absorbs or reflects some of the sun‘s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn ,photoaging and most importantly prevent skin cancer. Sunscreens come as lotions, sprays, gels, foams, sticks, powders and other topical products. Sunscreens are common supplements to clothing, particularly sunglasses, sunhats and special sun protective clothing, and other forms of photoprotection like umbrella.
More about UV radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation. The Sun is the most significant source of UV radiation. There are mainly three types of UV rays that affects our skin, UVA, UVB and UBC. UVA has the longest wavelength and lower energy; thus, it affects only on the top layer of the skin and causes superficial tanning and photoaging. UVB, on the other hand, causes excessive tanning, sunburn and blistering. UVC rays are completely absorbed by the environment and has rare damaging effects on skin.
What is SPF & PA?
SPF stands for Sun protection factor. It’s a measure of how much solar energy id required to sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. Sunburn protection increases with the higher SPF value. SPF measures only UVB protections.
PA is the protection grade of UVA. The pluses indicate the hierarchy of protection available. The more pluses, the higher the protection.
What are the ingredients that are mostly used in sunscreens?
In addition to moisturizers and other inactive ingredients, sunscreens contain one or more active ingredients, which are either organic or mineral in nature. Most widely used FDA approved active ingredients are ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone and zinc oxide.
How sunscreen works?
Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays. The active ingredients in sunscreen absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Reflective ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin. And finally, some ingredients scattered UV rays so that they don’t reach the skin at all.
All of these ingredients work together to protect your skin from damage. But it’s important to remember that no sunscreen is 100% effective. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day and reapply it often, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Types of sunscreens
There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical or mineral. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting or scattering the sun’s UV rays. The key difference between these types of sunscreens lies in how they block rays. Physical (mineral) sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and act as a shield, while chemical sunscreens sink into your skin and act more like a sponge.
Physical sunscreens(mineral)are much safer for people who are concerned about long-term exposure to sun. Chemical blockers tend to degrade quicker when exposed to UV as compared to the physical blockers.
Choosing the right kind of sunscreen
- There are many different types of sunscreens available on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the best suitable one for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting sunscreen.
- When choosing the best sunscreen for face, opt for a high SPF of 30 or higher which easily absorbs into the skin such as MGmeowgirl sunscreen gel SPF 50 especially for oily skin. No matter your skin tone, you should always stay protected from harmful UV rays.
- Choose a sunscreen with broad -spectrum protection.
- You need to make sure the sunscreen is non-comedogenic. This means that it will not clog your pores or cause breakouts.
- It is important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant. This will help to keep your skin protected even if you sweat or swim.
- Finally, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic. This will help to avoid any irritation or skin reactions.
Why sunscreen is so important in summer?
Actually, there is no particular season for sunscreen to apply. In winter we enjoy sunshine and love to find more sunny space. But the sun rays don’t change in winter. It still very much has the UVA and UVB rays. In summer, that too in India, as the temperature soar, we feel intense heat from the sun and due to this, we suffer more sunburns.
Matte -finish, water- resistant, paraben and toxins free sunscreens like MGmeowgirl Sunlight protection are most preferable for Indian summer. It doesn’t leave white cast at all and most importantly, it is enriched with silk protein which provides optimum hydration and tightens your skin.
How to apply?
Once you have selected the right sunscreen, make sure to apply it generously and evenly to all exposed areas of skin. Reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
All you need to know about MGmeowgirl sunscreen gel
MGmeowgirl Sunlight protection gel is an ideal choice for Indian climate .It provides highest broad- spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays. It’s preservative free, water-resistant. matte finish , gel based sunscreen . Most importantly it doesn’t leave white cast & best suitable for sensitive skin. Available on website www.meowgirl.com as well as Amazon, Flipkart & Myntra at amazing prices.
