WHEN you think you already know the ins and outs of sunscreen—here come new findings and information on what it really does to your skin, why you should use it and when you need it most.Apart from the universal knowledge on SPF numbers, there is more than meets the eye about the sun and its effects that you should consider before choosing your next sunscreen product.
Read up on the seven things that will change how you view, choose and use your sunscreen product.
1 Sunscreen is not only intended for summer or at the beach. Dermatologists worldwide recommend the daily use of sunscreen.
2 UV filters in makeup are not enough for daily protection. Sunscreen in cosmetics normally protects your skin against one type of UV radiation only. Plus, makeup products are not applied on regular intervals within the day, so you don’t really get the right level of sun protection stated on the pack.
3 It is known that there are two kinds of UV radiation from the sun that affect your skin: UVB, which mainly affects the outer layers of the skin and known to be the main cause of sunburns; and UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin with long-term and oxidative damaging effects such as DNA damage, premature aging and higher risks of skin cancer. However, did you know that besides UV radiation, the sun also produces Infrared (IR) radiation that triggers collagen degradation, which leads to wrinkles, sagging and adverse heat effects?
4 Generally, SPF labels mainly measure UVB protection only. Users of regular sunscreen products that only offer SPF may not necessarily burn their skin when exposed under the sun, but may still get deeper skin damage that cause a higher risk of skin cancer if their sun-care product does not have UVA-filtering properties.
5 Get to know more about your SPF numbers. No sunscreen product can guarantee 100-percent protection against harmful radiation. Based on regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia, an SPF of 30 already absorbs 96.7 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF of 50 absorbs as much as 98.0 percent of UVB rays. If you’re planning to go for a sunscreen with an SPF level of 70, 80, 90 or beyond – no need! The additional effects of higher SPF at this level are almost negligible.
6 A new study made by the American Academy of Dermatology reveals the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for everyday use. Solar radiation, which permeates the skin all the way down to the cells and DNA, results in cell damage, DNA mutations, and premature skin aging, and eventually may lead to skin cancer.
7 For women who wear makeup every day, try this regimen. Start off your face with a moisturizer, and then thoroughly apply a clinically proven, noncomedogenic sunscreen before you continue with your makeup routine. This preventive sun care step should be done every day before you go out of the house.
Daylong, from the makers of Cetaphil, takes a scientific approach to sunscreen protection with sun care that protects the skin not just from UVA and UVB, but also infrared radiation. Daylong is made for daily wear, as it comes without the sticky and heavy feeling, with fast absorption and without the white marks thanks to its unique oil-free and liposomal formulations.
For more information, visit Daylong.ph, likeDaylongPH on Facebook and follow @DaylongPH on Twitter and Instagram.