Water-Resistant

If your sunscreen or sunblock has labeled with water-resistant properties, it doesn’t mean that your product is waterproof. The FDA will no longer allow manufacturers to say their products are waterproof.

Which products are labeled as water-resistant, which means, the protection will be effective for 40 minutes in the water, then reapplication is necessary. Products that are labeled as very water-resistant will almost last for 80 minutes in the water.

Broad Spectrum

Sun-protectant labeled as Broad Spectrum, means that the product can protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

Sports

In the sun-protection formula, this term has not been approved by the FDA but It’s a general indication of being your product water and sweat resistant.

Sensitive Skin

The term “Sensitive Skin” hasn’t been approved for sun protection. It’s most likely an indication that the product is hypoallergenic and doesn’t include PABA, Oils, or fragrances.

So, before using, read the label carefully, if any of these ingredients may irritate your skin

There are three most important reasons to use sun protection

·       UV radiation from the sun is the most serious threat for skin cancer, so to protect our skin from UV radiation, we should use sun protection

·       Sunburn is also a big concern, it can damage the skin’s cells and blood vessels which results in weakened skin that easily bruises.

·       According to the data of a 2013 study, it is proved that 80% of visible facial aging signs are the result of UV exposure. It can cause wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, and degradation of skin’s texture.

Sunlight includes visible light, heat, and UV radiation. Ultraviolet is divided into three types and is classified by wavelength.

UVA (Ultraviolet A)

95% of the UV radiation reaches the earth’s surface, UVA has a relatively long wavelength that can easily penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Which is responsible for immediate tanning, it also can cause wrinkles and other aging signs, and the development of skin cancers.

UVB (Ultraviolet B)

This is a medium wavelength sun-radiation, which doesn’t reach the deeper layer of the skin, but still, it can harm the superficial layers of the skin. It may cause delayed sun tanning and burning and also promote skin-aging and skin cancer.

UVC (Ultraviolet C)

Ultraviolet C has a short wavelength, it is blocked by the earth’s atmosphere. So, it isn’t a concern with sun exposure. However, it can be dangerous with exposure to an artificial radiation source.

Staying out of the sun is the most effective way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun, but It’s very hard to do.

So, here are some tips to protect yourself from the sun-exposure:

·       Avoid going in the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the effect of the UV rays are the strongest

·       When you are going in the sun, wear sunglasses that filter UV light

·       Protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a wide-brimmed hat

·       And most important, apply a good kind of sunblock or sunscreen to the skin, which is more prone to the sun-exposure like your face, neck, hands, and feet.

Conclusion:

Before starting to use or to buy, review the product’s label, Many sun protectants have a blend of sunscreen and sunblock, so consider before purchasing.

Look for those products that at least SPF 30 or greater and have broad-spectrum protection and water-resistant properties. Avoid those products that contain ingredients your skin may be sensitive to.

To Prevent burning, reapply sun-protectants every two hours, or every 40 to 80 minutes after being in the water or sweating.