Finally, summertime has arrived, the season that we have all been waiting for! We think that you are at the same summer mood as well, that’s why we have prepared an article with the most important parts you have to watch out for when it comes to sun protection.
Why is it necessary to use sunscreen?
As much as we are attracted to the sun, the need for protection from its strong rays is considered essential, especially at sunny countries such as Cyprus. Daily face sun protection must not be avoided, while it has to be applied during all seasons of the year despite age and skin type.
First of all, sunscreen helps us protect our skin from redness and sunburn. In addition, its daily use will help us delay photoaging, avoid the appearance of rashes and discoloration of the skin as well as other skin diseases such as acne, protect our skin from the weakening of the immune function that favors the growth of cancer cells and in general to keep it hydrated and glowing!
Can I use body sunscreen on the face?
The answer is no! Body sunscreens are not suitable for the face and we will explain why. Face and body sunscreens have different formulations and are intended to cover different surfaces. Facial skin, as we well know, is thinner and more fragile than the rest of the body, and the reason is because it has fewer layers of skin. So make sure that the sunscreen you use is suitable for the face, so that your skin has the best protection shield against solar radiation.
But I don’t want to get into unnecessary expenses. Are there no sunscreens that can be applied on both body and face?
Of course there are! The “Skin Loving Suncream”, our brand’s new product with SPF50+, is a natural face and body sunscreen developed around a specific combination of three complementary active ingredients such as Organic Cucumber Oil, Kombucha Ferment Filtrate and Gynura Extract, ingredients that have the ability to even out skin tone while providing hydration and acting against photoaging.
How to choose the suitable sunscreen?
Good question! A good high-protection sunscreen is not only necessary in your toiletry bag, it is rather mandatory. According to the experts there are some criteria based on which we can choose the right sunscreen.
A basic condition in choosing a sunscreen is the indication of protection not only from UVA rays but also from UVB rays. UVA is responsible for photosensitivity and in the long term for aging and skin cancer, while UVB for sunburn. So it’s very important that the sunscreen we buy has both indications.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
The SPF protection index indicates the length of time, during which our skin can stay under the sun without burning. In simple words, SPF shows how long we can stay in the sun without getting red. For example, if the skin starts to burn after 5 minutes of exposure to the sun without sunscreen, with a SPF 30 sunscreen, the skin will start to burn after 150 minutes. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks the 96.6%, while a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 provides 98% protection.
If I already have tanned skin do I need sunscreen?
UV rays from the sun are harmful to all skin types and shades. It may be that the increased levels of melanin help to avoid the burn, but this does not negate the fact that it is fully exposed to the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation, which in the long term brings changes to the skin cells.
Do sunscreens have an expiration date?
Like all cosmetics, sunscreens have an expiration date as well. The average lifespan of sunscreens is about 3 years. However, from the moment the product is opened and exposed to heat and air, its wear countdown begins (Always check what is written on the product packaging).
Can I use my old sunscreen?
Would you risk using a sunscreen that its composition might have changed? Because the sunscreen’s ingredients may lose their effectiveness after some time, there is a high possibility that they will block the UV radiation and thus your skin will be left unprotected. It would be best to renew it every year.
How often should I reapply my sunscreen?
Under no circumstances should we be skimpy when it comes to applying sunscreen. Once is not enough to have protection all day. Sunscreen must be reapplied at least every 2 hours, especially when we are outdoors.
CP tips for the correct sun protection usage
- Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before your exposure to the sun and make sure to reapply it regularly.
- Reapply your sunscreen after swimming or sweating and right after drying your body with a towel.
- Don’t be fooled by the clouds. It is essential to wear sunscreen even on the haziest days..
