Want to know what is the greatest way to preserve the top of our skin and the several layers beneath? Simple, apply Butterbean organic sunscreen.
We spoke with experts and conducted research to dispel popular sunscreen myths. From SPF numbers to types of skin, here are the answers to all of your sunscreen questions.
1. How much importance should I give to SPF?
A dermatologist in New York, warns us that “no sunscreen is 100% efficient in preventing sunburn and skin damage,” but sunscreen “may extend the length of time you can spend outside.” Additionally, the quantity of time spent outside is inversely proportional to the SPF.
A recent study indicates that SPF 100 is far more effective than SPF 50 in protecting your skin from damage and burns so, at the very least, you should want to apply SPF 30.
Additionally, it should be noted that higher SPFs likely to be stickier, which is why some individuals dislike them. However, the added protection is worth it for a beach day, even if it is not something you want to do on a daily basis.
2. What is the mechanism of UVA and UVB protection?
The sun produces a variety of light wavelengths, two of which are particularly harmful to the skin: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B. (UVB). While UVB rays are shorter and cannot penetrate glass, they are responsible for sunburns. UVA rays, which can penetrate glass, are more insidious since they harm your skin on a deeper level.
As such, you’ll want to ensure that your sunscreen label states “wide spectrum,” “UVA/UVB protection,” or “multi-spectrum.” The phrase “wide spectrum” is the most frequently used in the United States due to the Food and Drug Administration’s regulation (FDA).
3. Physical vs. Chemical sunscreen, is there a difference?
Physical (or mineral) and chemical sunscreens are the two types of sunscreens and these are the words used to describe the active components.
Sunscreen that is physical (inorganic)
The FDA has authorized only two chemical sunscreen ingredients: zinc oxide as well as titanium dioxide. Inorganic sunscreens are believed to provide a protective layer on the skin’s surface, reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from your body. A recent study, however, indicates that inorganic sunscreens do safeguard the skin by absorbing up to 95% of the sun’s rays.
Chemical sunscreen (organic)
All additional chemicals in chemical sunscreens that are not zinc or titanium are called active ingredients. Chemical sunscreens soak into the skin in the same way as lotion does, rather than building a barrier on top of it. These active substances catalyze a molecular process that turns UV radiation to heat, rendering it harmless to the skin.
Patients have been advised to use whichever type they like, but it is recommended that when choosing a purely physical sunscreen, seek one that has at least 10% zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection.
4. How frequently should I use sunscreen?
Whether you’re enjoying the afternoon in the sun or not, double-check that you’re wearing enough sunscreen to be effective – the majority of us don’t. According to legend, the average person in a swimming suit requires a whole ounce (or a full shot glass) of lotion every two hours to cover all exposed regions, including the face.
If you’re spending the day at the beach with your family — say, six hours in the sun — each individual should have at least a three-ounce bottle to themselves. If you’re not in the water, put on a shirt and cap and find a shaded spot. Every ounce of publicity counts. Individuals with dark skin tones or those who sunburn quickly should also not skimp.
The amount of sunscreen you use should not be determined by your skin tone and regardless of skin tone, everyone should apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen to offer complete protection. People of Color have poorer skin cancer survival rates, which may be attributed to disparities in screening treatment or the perception that darker skin tones do not require sunscreen.
5. Is it really necessary to wear it if I’ll be spending most of the day indoors?
Even when you’re not going to spend the entire afternoon at the pool, you’re almost certain to come into touch with UV rays through a window or by peering out the window at the outside world. Studies have shown that using sunscreen on a regular basis can dramatically reduce your chance of developing skin cancer and the appearance of indicators of skin aging such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark patches.
6. Is sunscreen applied on the face different from that applied to the body?
The only true difference between a face sunscreen against a body sunscreen is the size of the container that the sunscreen is being offered when it comes to sun protection. Purchasing a second bottle of sunscreen for your face is not required if you do not like to do so, though. For example, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 is a terrific combination product that may be used on both the face and the body.
Because your face is typically more delicate than the rest of your body, many individuals choose a lightweight, nongreasy sunblock designed exclusively for the face, especially when wearing it on a daily basis, rather than a traditional sunscreen. Using them will reduce the likelihood of clogging pores, causing breakouts, or irritating skin.
You also should avoid applying sunscreen to your face with a spray since it is not safe to inhale the fumes. If you’re in a hurry, spray the sunscreen on your hand first and massage it with your fingertips.
7. Should children and newborns be protected from the sun in a different way than adults?
Physical sunscreens are recommended by doctors for newborns and children, as well as people with sensitive skin because they are less likely to produce rashes or other allergic responses than chemical sunscreens.
In addition, spray sunscreens can help to make the application process less of a scavenger hunt for children who are somewhat older than toddlers. Make sure that you are careful to keep the nozzle near to your skin and spray again until the skin glistens to ensure that you’re applying sufficient product.
