Professional knowledge about sun protection in skincare
1、 Sunscreen knowledge
- Types and hazards of ultraviolet radiation
UVA (Long Wave Ultraviolet): It can penetrate the dermis layer, causing skin aging and wrinkles, and also increasing the risk of skin cancer.
UVB (short wave ultraviolet): It mainly acts on the epidermis and can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
UVC: absorbed by the atmosphere and does not have a direct impact on the skin.
- SPF and PA values
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): measures the protective ability of skincare products against UVB, and products with SPF30-50 are more suitable for daily use.
PA value: measures the protective ability of skincare products against UVA, with higher PA values indicating stronger protection against UVA.
- Choose appropriate sunscreen products
Choose appropriate sunscreen products based on your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, mixed).
Physical sunscreen ingredients (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are suitable for sensitive skin; Chemical sunscreen ingredients (such as benzophenone and amino acids) may have certain irritations to the skin.
- Correct application method
Apply evenly to exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms, paying special attention to areas that are easily overlooked such as behind the ears, nose tip, and around the eyes.
The amount used each time should be sufficient, about half a teaspoon in size for the face and about the size of an adult hand for the body.
It is recommended to apply 15-30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2-3 hours, especially after outdoor activities or vigorous exercise.
- Sun protection time selection
The strongest period of ultraviolet radiation is from 10am to 4pm, during which outdoor activities should be avoided or effective sun protection measures should be taken as much as possible.
- Sunscreen clothing and items
Choosing breathable sunscreen clothing, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can effectively reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin.
- Internal water replenishment
Drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and keeping the skin hydrated can help improve skin resistance and reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin.
2、 Post sun repair techniques
- Cold compress to calm down
After sun exposure, the skin may experience discomfort such as redness, swelling, and burning. At this time, ice cubes or cold towels can be used for cold compress to alleviate the skin’s inflammatory response and reduce skin discomfort.
- Moisturizing and hydrating
After sun exposure, the skin is prone to losing moisture, and timely hydration is the key to repair. Choose refreshing moisturizing cream or spray to gently massage the skin, help the skin absorb water, and relieve the dry and tight skin.
- Use repair products
Choose products containing soothing and repairing ingredients, such as aloe vera, arbutin, niacinamide, etc. These ingredients can repair damaged skin tissue and alleviate skin discomfort after sun exposure.
- Avoid irritating skincare products
After sun exposure, the skin is relatively fragile and should avoid using highly irritating cosmetics or skincare products, such as alcohol products, fruit acid products, etc., to avoid aggravating the skin’s irritation and delaying the skin’s repair process.
- Dietary regulation
Increasing intake of foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, such as fruits and vegetables, can help promote skin repair and resist the damage of UV rays to the skin.
- Continuous sun protection
Even if the post sun repair work is done well, we cannot take it lightly. It is still necessary to adhere to daily sun protection work, protect the skin from UV damage, and prevent the skin from getting sunburned and tanned again.
3、 Summary
Proper knowledge of sun protection and scientific post sun repair techniques are crucial for protecting skin health. By selecting appropriate sunscreen products, applying them correctly, avoiding sunlight reasonably, and repairing them in a timely manner, we can effectively reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin and maintain its health and beauty. While enjoying the sunshine, don’t forget to take care of your skin, so that it always emits a healthy glow.
Author Likeshowcosmetics
