You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. However, a person should also consider other forms of protection, including staying out of the sun, seeking shade, and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.Ī person should also be mindful of spending time around water, snow, and sand in intense sunlight, as they can reflect the sun’s rays and increase a person’s chance of sunburn. Which is better: sunscreen or sunblock?īoth sunscreen and sunblock are effective at protecting a person’s skin from the sun. This type of sunscreen may be suitable for people prone to acne. Additionally, some sunscreens may be non-comedogenic, meaning they will reduce the risk of blocked pores. A person should check whether their chosen sunscreen is chemical or mineral, as mineral sunscreens can be gentler on sensitive skin. What SPF is best for your face?Ī 30 SPF sunscreen or higher will offer the best protection for a person’s face. broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB raysĪ person may also wish to consider choosing sunscreens that do not contain fragrance, essential oils, or ingredients that may cause skin reactions or acne.The American Association of Dermatology (AAD) states the safest sunscreens are ones that offer: However, to get the most protection, a person should apply these products regularly, like sunscreen.īelow are answers to the top frequently asked questions about sunscreen. Cosmetic: Moisturizers with an added SPF can help protect the skin on duller days or when sun exposure is limited.Individuals may also notice that the skin absorbs gels more easily on hairier parts of the body, such as the scalp or chest. Gel: Gel sunscreens offer an alternative to thick oils or creams.Sticks: Ideal for swiping across the face or smaller body areas, sticks are often useful when a person is on the go.Moreover, to avoid inhalation, a person should consider checking the wind direction before spraying. However, people may find it difficult to measure how much sunscreen they apply. Sprays: Spray products can be a quick and efficient method of applying sunscreen to children.Creams: Thicker and more moisturizing than a lotion, creams may suit people with dry skin, particularly on the face.They may be better for people with oily skin. Lotions: Best for covering large areas of skin, lotions absorb quickly and are less greasy than thicker creams.A person may consider the following when picking a formulation: Sunscreens come in various formulations, from sprays and creams to gels and sticks, and which is right for a person may depend on factors, including activity levels and skin type. Many studies, including this older 2010 study and this 2016 research, point out that fragrance is one of the top causes of allergic contact dermatitis, including essential oils and other fragrance variants, such as limonene. Fragrances can be an irritant that can cause rashes and red scaly patches on the skin. The FDA recommends that users do not use a sunscreen product more than 3 years after purchase.įurthermore, it is always best to choose a sunscreen with very high UVA protection and one that has no fragrance or essential oils. Sunscreens have a shelf life of around 2–3 years, and a person should check the expiration date before use as an expired product might not provide appropriate protection. The ACS advises always reading the label before purchasing sunscreen. By ensuring the sunscreen specifies how long the product is water-resistant, a person can be confident in knowing when to reapply. Water resistance: A water-resistant sunscreen can be a good option for water and sporting activities.For this reason, the ACS recommends wearing an SPF of at least 30. SPFs of 30 filter out 97%, while SPFs of 50 or more filter out 98–99%. However, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), sunscreens with an SPF factor of 15 only filter out around 93% of UVB rays. SPF of 30 or higher: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.Broad-spectrum protection: The sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause skin cancer and premature aging.People who want to get the most from their sunscreen should ensure their chosen product includes the following: How to choose sunscreen and sun protection products
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