Fortunately, people are increasingly aware of the importance photoprotection, to prevent diseases such as skin cancer. However, sometimes we forget how to use sunscreen correctly.
It may sound trite, but the truth is that sometimes we forget important parts of the body or we don’t use quantity adequate sunscreen. In fact, the latter is perhaps the most important. If we regularly go to the beach and at the end of the summer we still have the cream we bought at the beginning, it’s because we don’t know how to properly use sunscreen, since we used much less than we need.
For this reason, in this article, we will look at some of the things we usually do wrong when it comes to protecting ourselves. avoid skin cancer. This does not mean that everyone is doing it wrong. If you’re doing it right, congratulations. But it’s also time to sing my guilt and admit that we forgot any of these points. It’s never too late to add them to our routine. Surely our skin will appreciate it very much.
Thinking sunscreen is only for summer and the beach
should use sunscreen all year round, and not only if we visit places that we associate with the sun, for example, beach.
It’s true that on the beach in the summer we burn more because we more time in the sun. However, we are exposed ultraviolet radiation solar panels throughout the year, and therefore we need to always use protection.
It is recommended, at least on the face, to use sunscreen every day when we go out, even if the day cloudy. Thus, we will not only help prevent skin cancer. We will also reduce the likelihood that spots and wrinkles.
As for the body, it’s also good that we use sunscreen all year round if we’re going to in the sun. Of course, it is important that we use common sense here. We know that solar radiation is necessary for us to adequately synthesize Vitamin D. For this reason, if we always use a protector that ends up blocking this radiation, we can cause a deficiency of this vitamin. To avoid this, it’s good that the sun shines on us during 10-15 minutesespecially in the arms and legs.
The radiation that reaches us every day is enough. Even something as simple as going up to the roof to hang clothes or go out for bread can be enough. Now, if we are going to be with very exposed skin for a long time, it is important to use sunscreen all over the body, regardless of the season.
Use quite a bit of cream for the whole body and face
When we were little, when our mothers put sunscreen on us until they made us look like little snowmen, we thought they were overreacting. But in fact, they are the only ones who have used sunscreen correctly throughout history.
Leaving that exaggeration aside, it’s true that they did it well. If we apply the right amount of sunscreen with physical filtersthat leave a white coating, we should see ourselves as our mothers left them to us when we were little: completely covered. After all, we must not forget what this sunscreen creates barrier which prevents the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into our cells.
This barrier must be sufficiently thick, therefore, according to the recommendations of experts, it should be used for at least 2 mg/sq cm skin. How much does it cost? Since we’re not going to the beach with weights, there are some tricks to figure out how much sunscreen to use. For example, the finger trick is becoming very popular.
This is to cover two fingers with a strip of cream along each for the face. The same number for each of the arms and legs and, in addition, four fingers on the torso and four more on the back.
Another trick is to completely cover the whole arm with the whole body. If we use sunscreen with chemical filters, which contain substances that absorb radiation, without creating a barrier, we will not turn white. But if they are physical, then this amount is clearly equivalent to what our mothers gave us when we were small.
Leaving body parts uncovered with sunscreen
When using sunscreen, it is quite common to leave some parts of the body exposed. But burns and skin cancer can appear on Any part of the body that has skin.
Some very common examples of these body parts are: ears, fingers and toes, neck or hairline. For the latter, in addition to applying sunscreen, it is advisable to use hats and caps.
In addition, it is important to apply cream under the swimsuit if we’re going to sunbathe. It may seem that this is not necessary, since when we sunbathe, a trace remains. It is true that the tissue acts as a barrier to a certain extent, but it does not prevent all of the radiation from reaching the skin. In addition, the swimsuit can move, leaving the area completely exposed where we didn’t apply sunscreen. To prevent all this from happening, it is best to also apply a cream under it.
Insufficiently protective tattoos
Tattoos are part of the skin and therefore must be protected. There is no need to carry out a special routine. Don’t even buy a specific sunscreen, even if they exist.
But You must cover them carefully.since pigments can absorb more radiation, so they are easier to produce Burns and finally skin cancer. This applies to any tattoo, but especially to those that use reddish or orange pigments. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and, if possible, 50.
Do not reapply sunscreen
Today there are creams that resist water, sweat and even sand very well. This may lead us to think that it is no longer necessary to reapply sunscreen as has always been said, but it is still necessary. With time, loses its effectiveness so we can burn.
To avoid this, you should put more cream. every two hours. This applies to the body, but also to the face. Therefore, for people who wear makeup over face sunscreen, there are alternatives such as sunscreens. in fog or stickwhich can be applied in layers without stripping makeup.
Keeping sunscreen year after year
This applies to sunscreen as well as any other cosmetics. All must have a useful life. after opening the container. In the European Union, for example, this is indicated by the symbol open jar, as well as the number of months during which it retains its properties. In the case of sunscreen, this period is almost always twelve months.
For this reason, if it continues from year to year, we should not keep it, as it will no longer be effective and we can burn even if we wear it. In addition, it should not last from one year to another, as we have already seen that it should be used all year round.
By following all of these tips, we will be much more protected, with younger looking skin and fewer tickets for skin cancer. All of them are advantages.
Source: Hiper Textual
