Protecting yourself from the harmful affects of the sun is crucial in keeping the skin healthy and wrinkle-free. Sunscreen helps by reflecting, taking in, and/or scattering harmful radiation the sun casts on earth.
Sunscreen comes in many different forms: lotion, spray, gel, cream, and sometimes makeup. Not using sunscreen can give unwanted aging of the skin, and sometimes, skin cancer.
When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to be able to read the bottle for what type of sunscreen you are applying. There are many terms that might not make sense to everyone; some of them are:
* UVA (Ultraviolet A) - This unseen ultraviolet radiation has a long wavelength that reaches far into layers of the skin. These rays are bad because they can enter the skin without the person knowing it.
* UVB (Ultraviolet B) - UVB is a kind of light that the sun radiates. The wavelength of this kind of radiation is smaller than UVA and is known to cause sunburn and other skin problems.
* SPF (Sun Protection Factor) - This term denotes the strength of protection that a given sunscreen gives for sun exposure. A number is issued to each bottle of sunscreen indicating the strength of it. The higher number provides more protection than the lower sunscreens. It is suggested that people being exposed to the sun use at minimum, SPF 15 to the skin regularly and reapply when necessary.
* UVR (Ultraviolet Radiation) - This is actual radiation from the sun that causes premature aging, spots, sunburn, crows feet, and skin cancer in some. Furthermore, UVR rays can reduce the effectiveness of one's immune system.
* Water Resistant - Some sunscreens are good and water resistant in that repel water and allow the lotion to stick to the skin better. Swimmers can continue to swim for longer without having to reapply and still be protected. However, it is a good idea to reapply sunscreen, even if it is water resistant, because it looses its effectiveness through prolonged exposure to water. Water resistant does not equal water proof.
Not only do you have to be informed on the different terms on sunscreen labels, there are also two different types of sunscreens: physical blocks and chemical combatants. Physical blockers do just that - they physically block harmful rays of the sun by reflecting back the harmful UVA and UVB radiation. Chemical blockers on the other hand absorb some of the radiation; typically the ones with shorter wavelengths.
Whichever type you purchase, it is important to apply and reapply when needed. Sunscreens will be as effective as you let them - people being exposed to a lot of sun must rub on thoroughly and reapply throughout the day. The sun can be a great and magnificent source of sunlight for activities. However, it can be nasty and harmful if you do not protect the exposed skin. Knowing what to look for in a sunscreen can also help to reduce the chances of serious, permanent skin damage and other unwanted skin conditions.
Sunscreen comes in many different forms: lotion, spray, gel, cream, and sometimes makeup. Not using sunscreen can give unwanted aging of the skin, and sometimes, skin cancer.
When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to be able to read the bottle for what type of sunscreen you are applying. There are many terms that might not make sense to everyone; some of them are:
* UVA (Ultraviolet A) - This unseen ultraviolet radiation has a long wavelength that reaches far into layers of the skin. These rays are bad because they can enter the skin without the person knowing it.
* UVB (Ultraviolet B) - UVB is a kind of light that the sun radiates. The wavelength of this kind of radiation is smaller than UVA and is known to cause sunburn and other skin problems.
* SPF (Sun Protection Factor) - This term denotes the strength of protection that a given sunscreen gives for sun exposure. A number is issued to each bottle of sunscreen indicating the strength of it. The higher number provides more protection than the lower sunscreens. It is suggested that people being exposed to the sun use at minimum, SPF 15 to the skin regularly and reapply when necessary.
* UVR (Ultraviolet Radiation) - This is actual radiation from the sun that causes premature aging, spots, sunburn, crows feet, and skin cancer in some. Furthermore, UVR rays can reduce the effectiveness of one's immune system.
* Water Resistant - Some sunscreens are good and water resistant in that repel water and allow the lotion to stick to the skin better. Swimmers can continue to swim for longer without having to reapply and still be protected. However, it is a good idea to reapply sunscreen, even if it is water resistant, because it looses its effectiveness through prolonged exposure to water. Water resistant does not equal water proof.
Not only do you have to be informed on the different terms on sunscreen labels, there are also two different types of sunscreens: physical blocks and chemical combatants. Physical blockers do just that - they physically block harmful rays of the sun by reflecting back the harmful UVA and UVB radiation. Chemical blockers on the other hand absorb some of the radiation; typically the ones with shorter wavelengths.
Whichever type you purchase, it is important to apply and reapply when needed. Sunscreens will be as effective as you let them - people being exposed to a lot of sun must rub on thoroughly and reapply throughout the day. The sun can be a great and magnificent source of sunlight for activities. However, it can be nasty and harmful if you do not protect the exposed skin. Knowing what to look for in a sunscreen can also help to reduce the chances of serious, permanent skin damage and other unwanted skin conditions.
About the Author:
John is a publicist with more than twelve years editorial experience. John is currently employed as a journalist for fuzing.com and is considered the resident authority on skin care. Be sure to visit our very useful website for more information on Sunscreen Cream and Sunscreen Lotions.
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