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The sunny sky brings people out; While it may seem logical to simply apply sunscreen, there are some misconceptions when it comes to taking proper sun precautions.
For example, a common mistake is that sunscreens with a higher SPF offer greater protection. People might also believe that applying a high SPF sunscreen once will protect them all day long. In fact, these notions are simply not true. If you do not apply sunscreen properly, you are putting your skin at risk.
What is SPF?
SPF means "sun protection factor". It is calculated by examining the dose of UV radiation required to cause a minimal sunburn when you are protected with sunscreen compared to when you are not. For example, an SPF of 30 takes 30 times the amount of UV radiation to cause a sunburn compared to when you do not wear this sunscreen.
"The SPF scale is not a linear scale," said Corey Jefferies, a pharmacist in the primary care network. "So if you go from 30 to 60, you do not get double the protection.There is no extra benefit in terms of sunscreen and no SPF will offer you a 100% protection. "
In general, an SPF of 15 will block or absorb about 94% of harmful radiation, an SPF of 30 will see about 97%, and anything above an SPF of 50 will likely reach 98%. Sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 is the standard recommendation of Health Canada, Alberta Health and the Canadian Dermatology Association
Sunlight emits UVA and UVB rays. Typically, an SPF number will refer to protection against UVB rays. UVB waves cause sunburn, while UVA can cause symptoms of premature aging such as wrinkles or spots. In the worst case, overexposure to sunlight can also be responsible for some cancers. Jefferies said it's important to choose a sunscreen that has a "broad spectrum" label, which protects from both radiation waves.
Correct Application
Jefferies said the common problems with the performance of sunscreen often come from application errors. 19659002] "If you put on half the recommended amount, it can dramatically reduce the SPF value, so if you put on half, you can divide that SPF value by about a third."
Jefferies said that He likes to use the "teaspoon ruler" when applying sunscreen. He said that means you would use about a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover the face and neck, a teaspoon for each arm, two teaspoons for the front of the torso, two teaspoons for the back and both of the feet.
It is recommended to reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours or after any activity likely to wash the sunscreen. Jefferies said that higher SPFs can give people a false sense of security because they tend to be less diligent with reapplication, or that they do not use as much sunscreen because they badume that they are better protected by a higher SPF. In the end, sunscreen should be reapplied frequently throughout the day, regardless of the SPF.
He said that the best practices include the application of sunscreen about 15 to 20 minutes before going to the sun. Some people may have skin reactions to chemicals in sunscreens, so Jefferies recommends testing an unknown product on a small area before applying it all over the body.
Like any health product, the best way to make sure you're safe is by following the directions on the label.
General Safety Tips for the Sun :
• Wearing Protective Clothing
• Wearing a Sun Hat
• Wearing Sunglbades
• Stay out of the sun am and 3 pm)
• Apply and apply the sunscreen again
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