Any dermatologist will tell you the most important thing you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a necessity every day.
Have you experienced sunburn even when it’s only cloudy? It seems worse on those days because the cloud coverage prevents the direct sting of the sun, but the UV rays still penetrate. Up to 40 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day.
“Sun protection is essential to skin cancer prevention – about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.”
Here’s how:
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen when in water or exercising.
- Avoid sunscreens with alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives if you have sensitive skin and allergy conditions.
- Xeroderm SPF Sunscreens are full spectrum non-greasy, colour and fragrance free, helping to prevent drying and premature aging of skin.
- Baby & Kids Xeroderm SPF 40 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering high and photo stable UVA/UVB protection.
- Apply sunscreen every 20 – 30 minutes before going out into the sun as it takes 15 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin.
- Apply sunscreen all over and to all exposed areas as well, including your neck, face, ears and feet – throughout the year, even in Winter.
The new high alert topic is regarding Vitamin D and that sunscreen prevents absorption of Vitamin D. To dispel this myth here are a few pointers:
The factors influencing Vitamin D levels are also where you live, air quality, your weight, age and foods you eat.
Regarding Sunscreen it prevents sunburn by blocking UVB light. Theoretically, that means sunscreen lowers vitamin D levels. Very few people put on enough sunscreen regularly to block all UVB light, so sunscreen’s effects on vitamin D might not be that important.
In conclusion, if you’re very worried about your Vitamin D levels, spend only a few minutes every other day in direct sun without sunscreen. This will protect you and provide you with the necessary Vitamin D your body needs.
Resource:
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreen-safety