Q: What is sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen is basically a barrier that protects the skin from absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Q: What are Ultra Violet or UV rays?
A: Ultraviolet is a segment of the broad radiation that comes from the sun towards the earth. There are two kinds of UV rays that can affect the skin. UVA rays tend to age the skin. UVB rays typically cause sunburn.
Q: What is SPF?
A: SPF refers to the ability of a sunscreen to block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which causes sunburns but not UVA rays, which are more closely linked to deeper skin damage. Both UVA and UV B contributes to the risk of skin cancer.
Q: What are types of sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen can be of two types providing either physical or chemical barrier to sunlight. This protects skin against sunburn, premature skin ageing, photodermatitis and decreases the incidence of skin cancer.
Q: What is Broad a spectrum sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen that protects against both UVA & UVB radiations.
Q: What is Non-comedogenic?
A: Non-comedogenic is a term applied to oils, lotions and skin creams that do not block pores. They are sometimes referred to as non-occlusive. The theory behind using is that it does not clog pores & will reduce the incidence of pimples. Acne sufferers are strongly encouraged to avoid products that contain known comedogenic substances because these can worsen acne symptoms. Some sunscreens do induce oil-based ingredients that can be very problematic for certain individuals.
Q: Is it necessary to use sunscreen indoors?
A: UVA rays penetrate through windows which are responsible for deep skin damage. So it's necessary to wear sunscreen even indoors.
Q: When one should use Sunscreen?
A: Everyday indoor and outdoors. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand & water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun rays.
Q: How often one should use Sunscreen?
A: Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 20 minutes before going outdoors. To protect lips, apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Re-apply sunscreen approximately every 2 hours or after swimming, Sweating heavily or washing face.
Q: How to use and how to much to use?
A: Most people don't use enough sunscreen to fully protect their skin. Half tsp/ 2 grams of quality for the face. Apply dots on forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Spread evenly ( inside and outside) on the face. Similarly, 2g for the neck, 2g for each arm and 6 g for each leg is required.
Q: What other types of protection are there?
A: Other than sunscreen, there are many ways to protect the body from the sun's rays. Swimwear that is specifically designed to block the UV rays can be helpful. Seeking shade or wearing long sleeves, pants and a wide-brimmed hat can also be good ways to prevent sun damage to the skin. UV blocking tint on the car and home windows can also block out UV rays during day-to-day life.
Q: How to choose the right sunscreen?
A: 1. The golden rule of sunscreen is now to choose a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. The 30 blocks out about 97 percent of UV rays, while SPF 15 blocks out only 93 percent. SPF 50 blocks out 98 percent of UV rays.
2. Go for Matt-finished sunscreen which will not make your skin oily & sticky.
3. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label.
4. Choose a water-resistant product.
5. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide