Summer is just seated right around the corner. The term itself evokes good memories in life and we bet that it excites you as much as we do. Being outside, spending time at the beach – the most exciting part of your summer life, of course! But summer vacations may be cancelled this year because of the current global situation. Of course, your safety should always comes in first. But what skincare product first comes into your mind when you heard the term summer? Sunblock!  Your go to skincare companion during the summer weather. But Queens, you might be taking sunscreens for granted. Rain or shine no matter what season you’re in. Wearing a sunscreen should be as important as brushing your teeth. Yes! You see it right, Queens! Sunscreens should always be incorporated in your usual skin care regimen. It is your first line of defense for the possible skin damage brought by different environmental aggressors. From the recommendation made by the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and says broad spectrum on its label. Yes! Check your label! Plus reapplying it based on what is instructed on the label is of big help. Now, if you are reading this and you are taking the importance of SPF for granted. Now is probably the best time to take things seriously. Why then? Familiar with the ozone layer depletion? Ozone layer depletion causes increased UV radiation levels which in turn could be a potential risk to human health. Negative effect includes certain type of skin cancer and immune deficiency disorders. Convince now with the importance of SPF? Together let us dig in deeper about the glorious benefits of wearing sunscreen.

SUNSCREENS AND UV RADIATION

Sunscreens are made available in different forms – it can be in gel, lotion, stick or spray. But the function it does remains the same, it reflects some of the sun’s (UV) Ultraviolet Radiation – the most emphasized reason for skin damage. UV radiation that sun emits consists two types of UV rays that probes different skin damage. The first one is the UVB rays, this is responsible for causing sunburns and is the culprit in developing skin cancer. The second one is the UVA rays, the one that causes skin care damage that could eventually lead to the visible signs of skin aging. And this is where sunscreens came in to the rescue. Sunscreens provides SPF Sun Protection Factor that is responsible for minimizing the Ultraviolet damages and decreases the risk of development of skin cancers.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SPF

SPF simply means Sun Protection Factor and it dictates how well the product will protect you from the harmful UV radiation the sun emits. Of course, the higher the SPF number the greater the amount of protection it provides. From the recommendation made by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreens to be used should have SPF 30 or higher plus be sure to check if it offer broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both the UVA and UVB rays. And lastly, sunscreen should be water resistant. Sunscreens that offer the mentioned pre requisites protects the skin from developing sun burn, early signs of skin aging and skin cancer. From the study conducted by ACP journal dated June 4, 2013 entitled Sunscreens and prevention of skin aging it was then found out that everyday use of sunscreen plays a big role in preventing signs of skin aging.

Sunscreen and your skin type

Your sunscreen preference is a matter of your personal choice. But we’d love to give you a guide of what type of sunscreen works best on the skin type that you currently have.

Creams – are highly advisable for those who have dry skin

Gels – are suited for those who have oily skin plus it is considered to be good as well for those hairy areas – such as scalp or male chest

Sticks – are good around the eyes Of course, do not forget the eye are!

A REMINDER FROM US!

Chances are you’ve been using sunscreen for quite some time, but are you using it the right way? Reap off all the skin benefits sunscreens could offer.  Here are your guide on how sunscreens should be applied:

Sunscreens should be applied at least 20-30 minutes before you hit the outdoors and let the sun lavish you with all the UV rays.

Re-application is a must! Do not rely solely on the markings or labels that says that it provides all day protection. Reapply every 2-3 hours as long as you are staying outdoors especially when you are perspiring a lot.

Do not be limited on the area of your face only! Cover all the exposed areas, especially the ears, lips and the back of your hands

Be generous when dealing with your skin! Apply generous amount of sunscreen.

Women wearing makeup? Applying sunscreen under make up is indeed advisable

No one is exempted to wearing sunscreen. Men or women, young or old, no matter what season you are in. Take the application of sunscreen seriously especially now that the effects of the climate change is very evident.

WHAT ARE YOUR WORRIES THEN?

We heard you, Queens at the back. We cannot change the fact that sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential in boosting our immune system plus it is of big help in affecting our moods. So are you worrying now that you might inhibit vitamin D deficiency? Think of it, you pretty much heard a lot about people who died because of skin cancer but not about Vitamin D deficiency. Why? Because the thing is, there are a lot of vitamin D sources. Yes! You can indeed include it your diet. Foods such as salmon, tuna, eggs, mushrooms, orange, cereals and oatmeal are believed to be a great source of Vitamin D.

Next time you’re thinking of skipping sunscreen. Think of how much your skin will suffer from it. A gentle reminder from Before and After Cosmetics. Become a B&A insider Get the latest beauty tips, news and product notification and exclusive promotions in your box! Subscribe to our Newsletter. We are excited for you! Be part of our mailing list by simply signing up below!