All you need to know about sunscreens The Indian summer sun is blazing in the sky and you need make an informed choice about the sunblock cream or moisturisers you pick, unless ofcourse you want to look like that toast you forgot about. Dr. Radha Chowgule a dermatoligist and cosmetologist at Zarah clinic says, "The Indian skin tone requires a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) over 15. A sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is adivisable becuse the chemical aborbs and scatter Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) rays, which cause sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UV-A) rays that increase risk of skin cancer." Higher the SPF, better the protection? In a article for WebMD Florida dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD said, "SPF is not a consumer-friendly number, it is logical for someone to think that a SPF of 30 is twice as good as a SPF of 15 and so on. But that is not how it works." "SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; while SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and a SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. After that, it just gets silly," he adds. No sunscreen can offer 100% protection. What sunscreen/sunblock is best for my skin? Apart from the range of SPF — (15, 30, 40 and so on) the form of SPF you pick should be according to your skin type. Normal skin: Skin that does not reveal any traces of oil, looks clean, smooth and has a healthy complexion. Opt for a cream-based sunblock. Oily skin: The face usually looks greasy, thick, coarse and shiny and also has large enlarged pores and tends to break into acne. Gel or aqua-based SPF formulations should be used because it has a drying effect and does not make the skin look greasy. Dry skin: Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. It bears a parched look, feels tight and uncomfortable after washing unless a moisturiser or cream is applied. Lotion or moisturising SPF is the best choice for dry skin. Always opt for a sunblock that has a thick base (not light like matte finish)because it is essential to protect the skin from damage.Though thicker the base oilier the formulation. When, where and how much to apply? Dr.Susan Y Chon, who has a MD in dermatology blogs, "To allow maximum absorption of the sunscreen you should apply it 30 minutes before you go out. For sunscreen to do its job effectively, you should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun. Forget all-day protection. Sunscreen wears off after just a couple of hours. Reapply sunscreen every two hours in the same quantity."
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:36:56 +0000
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