Are you really doing sun protection correctly?
Most of us tend to go for the most easy-to-apply sunscreen that we can find at the lowest cost possible. But knowing how sun protection works and how a sunscreen function will help you make the most suitable choices for your skin.
How your sunscreen is going to help?
We break it down for you into pointers to help you understand the science behind sun protection and how your sunscreen is going to help.
Protects against skin cancer
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 65 percent of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancer are caused by sun damage. Exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer.
Many people mistakenly think that the skin recovers from sun damage the moment sunburnt marks have faded away. However, recent research shows that sun damage becomes permanently lodged into our mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) though our skin may not show visible signs. Yes, permanently!
The damage accumulates over time with increased sun exposure and such mutations of mtDNA have been associated with ageing of the skin and skin cancer. In other words, sun damage continues within our body even after the external burns have recovered.
Protects against premature ageing
That’s when our skin starts to sag and wrinkles start to appear, making us look older than we are. Exposure to UVB rays increases the melanocytes in our skin, producing more melanin that is responsible for pigmentation and dark spots. Free radicals from UV rays accelerate the ageing process by breaking down the collagen in our skin.
Differences between UVA and UVB
UVA
UVA does not cause sunburn but its longer wavelength allows it to penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB.
It is responsible for skin damage, wrinkles and dark spots, effects of photoaging. UVA can penetrate glass too so it’s practically everywhere, even indoors.
UVB
To get it right, just remember A for ‘Ageing’ and B for ‘Burn’. Both UVA and UVB contribute to the development of skin cancer.
The chief cause of sunburns and according to skincancer.org, it damages the skin’s more superficial outer layers.
Different types of sunscreens and how they function
There are mainly 2 different types of sunscreens in the market, with some a hybrid of both.
Chemical Sunscreen
Works by absorbing UV rays, transforming them into heat energy and releasing them from the skin.
Physical/Mineral
Sunscreen Works by reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin.
DR’s Secret sunscreens are a balanced hybrid of both to provide broad spectrum protection.
Sunscreen Tips
Look for broad spectrum sunscreens. Those will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
An SPF between 15-30 is sufficient, with 50 being the highest you should go. A sunscreen with a really high SPF provides minimal added protection and may mislead people into believing that it’s ok to stay longer in the sun without reapplication.
Always apply and reapply. No matter how good your sunscreen is, it can only be most effective when it’s always on your face.
Sunscreen 5
DR’s Secret Sunscreen 5: Dewy finish for a natural radiance. Learn more.
Sunscreen Matte 5M
DR’s Secret Sunscreen Matte 5M: Matte fresh finish. Learn more.
Total Base A5
DR’s Secret Total Base A5: Strong antioxidant properties. Aestier Counter Time Peptides to increase skin youthfulness and elasticity. Tinted for a smooth natural coverage. Learn more.