When I started taking proper care of my skin some time ago, I understood that face wash, moisturizer and serum alone do not provide skincare. I used to think that if these things are good then the skin will also be good, but with the passage of time, I started finding one thing very important that taking care of the skin is not just about using things, but keeping it safe from the sun is also equally important.
Especially in villages and sunny areas where people spend a lot of time outside every day, sun protection and skincare can become a part of the daily routine.
I have also realized that just sunscreen is not enough. It is also important to know what is SPF? And how to apply sunscreen.
Too much contact with sun rays can harm the skin and eyes. When the UV index is 3 or higher, it is important to use sunscreen.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a useful product that protects the skin from the sun’s rays. It has elements that help to absorb the rays.
Use a sun hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
What is SPF?
You must have sometimes seen SPF 30 or SPF 50 written on a sunscreen bottle. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
In simple words, this suggests protection from the UV rays.
In general, SPF 30 is a good choice and SPF 50 does not mean that you can stay in the sun. Sunscreen should not be considered as permission to stay in the sun for too long.
How does sunlight affect the skin?
Too much contact with the sun can damage the skin.
Such as:
- Skin burning or sunburn
- Premature skin aging
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dark spots and uneven skin tone
- Risk of skin cancer in the long run
UV rays can damage not only skin but also eyes. UV rays are directly related to skin cancer and eye damage in some cases.
Therefore, sunscreen should not be considered just a thing of beauty but it is a part of skin protection.
How to apply sunscreen correctly?
This is the part where I think people often make mistakes. Even after purchasing sunscreen, if you don’t reapply it in a timely manner, it becomes difficult to get the full benefit.
1. Apply sunscreen before going out
Sunscreen is recommended for those parts of the skin that may be exposed to sunlight. It is recommended to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going out.
2. Not only face but also neck and ears
Often, while applying sunscreen, we apply on face only, while the neck, ears and forehead are also exposed to sunlight, so while applying sunscreen, do not forget those parts which can be exposed to sunlight.
3. Use appropriate amount
It is not right to expect to get the full benefit of SPF 50 by applying a very little amount of sunscreen. It is important to apply the sunscreen in appropriate quantity and it should look super uniform on all the exposed areas of the skin. Using a very small quantity will not give you the desired effect.
4. Reapply sunscreen
After applying sunscreen, do not forget it for the whole day. If you are outside for a long time, then there is a need to reapply sunscreen after about every 2 hours. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied after excessive sweating or exercise.
Is sunscreen enough?
In my opinion, no
- Especially in bright sunlight:
- Stay in the shade where possible
- Use sun protection glasses
- Use a sun hat
- Reduce the time you spend outdoors
What is UV Index and why should you watch it?
UV index tells about the intensity of Sun’s ultraviolet rays. The higher the index, the greater is the chance of causing harm to the skin and eyes.
When the UV index is 3 or more, one should be fully prepared for protection from the sun, therefore it is not enough to just see whether the weather is hot or cold today, even if the level of heat is low, the UV rays can be quite strong.
What to look for when buying sunscreen?
While buying sunscreen, it is not necessary to look for beautiful packaging or the biggest SPF number.
I will look at these things:
- Buy a sunscreen that’ll keep you safe from UVA & UVB rays
- SPF 30 or higher is good for general use
- If your skin is oily, a light layer may feel more soothing, while if you have dry skin, lightweight textured sunscreen is better.
- And the main thing for me is to choose a sunscreen which you can use daily; if it is too heavy, you will stop using it and it will give very little benefit.
Common mistakes while using sunscreen
Some common mistakes while using sunscreen:
- Applying sunscreen only on extremely sunny days
- Forgetting about the neck and ears
- Not reapplying after swimming or excessive sweating
- Only looking at the SPF number
- Understanding sunscreen as permission to stay in the sun too much
By paying attention to these small things, sun protection can become a habit for a long time.
A simple daily routine to avoid sunlight
If I make it very simple, my case would be something like this:
Morning:
After skincare, apply sunscreen
Before going out:
Check your face, neck, ears and other exposed areas and apply sunscreen where needed.
While outside:
Keep an eye on the UV index and wear UV-protective glasses.
In case of being outside for a long time:
Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 2 hours. When you swim or sweat excessively, reapply as necessary.
For me, the most important thing is that sunscreen is not just the name of a ritual; it is a habit to keep in daily life.
FAQs
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor; it shows the level of protection that sunscreen provides against sun rays.
Is SPF 30 better or 50?
Both provide UVB protection but SPF 50 provides more protection.
When should you reapply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 2 hours, especially after sweating and swimming.
Should sunscreen be applied even on the neck?
Yes, sunscreen should also be applied on the neck, as the neck is exposed to the sun just like the face.
Is sunscreen needed even on cloudy days?
Yes, UV rays can still reach the skin.
Is sunscreen enough for sun protection?
No, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses can also help.
Important explanation
This article is for educational purposes only. Consult a dermatologist to treat any specific issue like sunburn or redness or if you have dark spots.
Bolohoor.com does not represent any government or medical institutions.
Want to learn more about skin types? Read our guide on Skin Types