Summer is coming, the sun is shining and the beach sand attracts us. However, UV rays from the sun are the number one enemy of the skin and can easily lead to sun spots, skin aging and even skin cancer. How can we enjoy the sunshine in summer and protect our skin at the same time?
First of all, let’s popularize what UV rays are.
Ultraviolet Rays (UV) are a component of sunlight and are a form of electromagnetic radiation. According to wavelength, UV can be categorized into three different regions: ultraviolet A wave (UVA), ultraviolet B wave (UVB) and ultraviolet C wave (UVC).
Ultraviolet A (UVA): Wavelengths of 320-400 nanometers. It accounts for the largest proportion of sunlight and is the most harmful of the UV rays to which the skin is exposed. Able to penetrate glass and clouds, it mainly causes skin aging and skin lesions.
Ultraviolet B waves (UVB): wavelengths of 280-320 nanometers. It mainly affects the superficial layer of the skin and is able to burn the nucleic acids of skin cells, causing sunburn and sunspots. About 90% of this UVB is absorbed by the ozone layer and only 10% reaches the ground.
Ultraviolet C waves (UVC): Wavelengths of 100-280 nanometers. It is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and the atmosphere and does not cause direct harm to humans.
UV damage to the skin includes sunburn, sun spots, skin aging, skin allergies and skin cancer. Therefore, we need to take various sunscreen measures in our daily life to protect our skin from UV rays.
Secondly, the choice of sunscreen.
Generally speaking, the sunscreen index SPF30+, PA+++ is enough to protect the sun in the city. To outdoor activities or go to the beach vacation, then you should choose SPF50/PA ++++ sunscreen products. In summer, you can choose a sunscreen that has a fresh texture and is water and sweat resistant. For sensitive skin, you can pick alcohol-free, fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen products. Pregnancy may be quite a chore, but the job of pampering your skin can’t be slowed down, so you can choose a physical sunscreen containing ferrites and zinc oxide to use.
Your sunscreen bottle are printed with some mysterious letters and numbers, the most important of which is SPF and PA. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the sun protection factor, the higher the value, the better the effect of sunscreen. PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is the sunscreen on the UVA level of protection, the higher the grade, the more protection against UVA. The higher the grade, the stronger the protection against UVA.
You may be thinking, “I just need to pick the one with the highest SPF and PA values, right? Wait, don’t worry, it’s like going to buy a car and only looking at the engine displacement, that’s not scientific. Sunscreens are much more relevant when you choose them based on skin type and purpose.
Next, take a look at those seemingly obscure ingredient lists, and don’t be afraid to pretend we’re playing a game of “guess what” so you don’t have to be so nervous!
The so-called “physical sunscreen” and “chemical sunscreen” in fact only refers to the different principles of sunscreen. Physical sunscreen ingredients (e.g. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) always leave an invisible barrier on your skin, reflecting UV rays, while chemical sunscreen ingredients inhale UV rays and release them as heat. People with sensitive skin, especially moms-to-be, can prioritize physical sunscreen products.
Further back, if you see words like “alcohol-free” and “fragrance-free”, it means that the sunscreen is more friendly to sensitive skin. This is because alcohol and fragrances can cause skin irritation. I hope you will buy a sunscreen that really works for you. Any care for your skin should not be taken lightly.
Remember, sunscreen is not a pot of magic potion, sun protection requires us to utilize all the ways such as umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothes are all little helpers of sun protection.
The next step is to eat more foods that enhance sun protection such as: tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruits, dark vegetables and nuts.
You also need to realize that sun protection is a 365-day job all year round, not just in the summer. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, UV rays are attacking our skin. Therefore, no matter where you go or what the weather, never forget to protect yourself from the sun.
If we encounter sunburn, we must deal with it seriously, and the correct way to deal with sunburned skin is as follows:
- Avoid UV rays as soon as possible: after sunburn, try to avoid being exposed to the sun again, especially during the midday hours.
- Cool your skin: Rinse your sunburned skin with cool water or apply ice to the injured area to relieve the heat of the skin and ease the pain.
- Moisturize your skin: Sunburned skin tends to lose moisture, so use a gentle moisturizer, such as aloe vera gel or moisturizer, to help restore moisture to your skin.
- Avoid irritation: Avoid using harsh cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries or ointments to avoid further irritation and damage to the skin.
- Follow the natural healing process: Sunburned skin may appear red, swollen, blistered and peeling. During this process, avoid peeling the blistered areas to avoid infection. Mild exfoliating products can be used during the peeling stage to help remove dead skin.
- Diet: Drink plenty of water and consume antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts to help speed up the skin’s repair process.
- Seek medical advice: If the sunburn is severe, with severe edema, pain or signs of infection, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice and treatment.
Dear friends, sunscreen is not a battle, but the attitude of life to take care of love yourself better. Even if you are tanned, don’t panic, as long as you do a good job of sun protection, with the passage of time and the metabolism of the skin, your skin will slowly return to its original skin color.
