Which Sunscreen Should I Apply?

Sunscreen protects you from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It help to prevent skin cancer. Regardless of age, gender, or skin tone, anyone can develop skin cancer. According to estimate, one in five Americans will have skin cancer at some point in their lives. Additionally, using sunscreen can help prevent premature skin ageing brought on by excessive unprotect UV exposure, such as wrinkles and age spots. Everyone’s advice by the American Academy of Dermatology to apply sunscreen that provides the following:

• SPF 30
• Higher and broad-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB radiation)
• Water repellent

How often should I use sunscreen?

If you plan to be outside, you should apply sunscreen to any skin that isn’t covered by clothing every day. All year long, the sun emits dangerous UV radiation. Up to 80% of the sun’s dangerous UV rays can get through the clouds, even on cloudy days.

What kind of sunscreen should I apply?

The type of sunscreen that you will use frequently is the best. Make sure it is water-resistant, gives broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and has an SPF of 30 or greater.

Your personal preferences and the type of sunscreen you apply may differ based on the body part that has to protect. There are various types of sunscreen products available, including creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks, and sprays

The white “cast” that some sunscreens can leave on the skin can be lessen by using tinted sunscreens, which also shield the skin from UVA, UVB, and visible sunlight.

There are additional sunscreens designe for certain uses, such as for sensitive skin and young children. Sunscreen comes in a variety of forms, such as:

Sunscreen comes in a variety of forms, including:

• creams, which are best for dry skin and applied on the face
• Gels, which are best for oily skin and hairy areas, like the scalp or male chest
• Sticks, which are best for use around the eyes
• Sprays, which some parents prefer because they are simple to use on kids. The difficulty with spray is that it can be challenging to determine if you have applied enough to protect all sun-exposed areas.
• Do not inhale these products, apply near heat, open flame, or while smoking.
• Spray until your or your child’s skin glistens and rub it in afterward to ensure even coverage. Never spray sunscreen around or close to the face or mouth to prevent inhalation.

What distinguishes chemical and physical sunscreen from one another?

Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays like a sponge. They contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate, among other active chemicals. These formulations are frequently simpler to apply to the skin and don’t typically leave a white “cast.” Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, act as a shield, laying on top of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays. They have zinc oxide and/or other active substances.

How safe are sunscreens?

The most frequent kind of cancer in Americans is skin cancer, which is greatly increasing by unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The advantages of applying sunscreen to reduce both short- and long-term UV skin damage are supported by scientific research.

Dermatologists in the AAD are personally aware of how skin cancer affects patients and their families. Using sunscreen is an efficient approach to lowering your chance of developing skin cancer, and the FDA has sunscreen regulations.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication monitoring is mandated by the FDA. The FDA is required to decide which ingredients are GRASE, or generally recognized as safe and effective, as part of its duty.

Conclusion

The risk of skin cancer can decrease by using sunscreen and minimizing both short- and long-term sun damage to the skin. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The AAD advises individuals to seek out shade and put on sun-protective attire. It includes a light, long-sleeve shirt, slacks, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.