In today’s fast-paced life, we are always doing something or the other—work, family, friends, and sometimes we don’t even get time for ourselves. But what we ignore the most is protecting our skin. We stand in the shade to avoid the sun, but do we know that it is not only sunlight that is harmful for our skin? More serious than this is that we can harm our skin even when we are not outside, like by spending time indoors in front of the TV or mobile.
I didn’t take this seriously before. One day, after lunch, I went out with friends to have tea. After spending hours outside in the hot sun, I started feeling irritation and inflammation on my skin. That day I thought, “Am I really protecting my skin properly?” That was the time when I truly understood the importance of protecting my skin. Now I always take care of SPF and other protective measures.
In this blog, I will tell you why SPF and skin protection is important these days and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
SPF: What is it and why is it important?
What is SPF (Sunscreen Protection Factor)?
SPF stands for “sunscreen protection factor”, which indicates how long a sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In simple terms, it is a scale that determines how long your skin remains protected from the sun’s rays when you apply sunscreen. If your skin starts burning in 10 minutes without any sunscreen, a sunscreen with SPF 30 can give you 30 times more protection, i.e. for about 300 minutes.
Types of SPF
There are different types of sunscreens, and they vary based on the strength of the SPF. This number indicates the potency of the SPF.
- SPF 15 : It provides light protection and blocks about 93% of UV rays.
- SPF 30 : This provides protection against 97% of UV rays, and is generally enough for most people.
- SPF 50 : This provides protection against 98% of UV rays, and is perfect for people who spend long periods of time outdoors or have sensitive skin.
Skin protection: why is it important?
Effects of UV rays
Sunlight contains two major types of UV rays—UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of our skin, causing premature wrinkles and lines. UVB rays, on the other hand, affect the skin’s surface and cause sunburn.
When we are out in the sun, we are exposed to both types of rays. These UV rays can damage our skin not only in summer but also in winter. Therefore, it is important that we protect our skin not only in summer but in every season.
Pollution and Blue Light
In today’s world, the skin is not only affected by the sun’s rays but also by pollution and blue light. The dust and toxins in pollution remove the moisture from our skin, making it dull and dry. Also, the blue light emitted from smartphones, laptops and TVs can be harmful to the skin as it can cause skin irritation, pigmentation and signs of early aging.
How to use SPF correctly?
1. Choose the right sunscreen
When you go to buy sunscreen, keep your skin type in mind. If you have oily skin then buy oil-free sunscreen, and if you have dry skin then hydrating sunscreen will be good for you.
2. Apply sunscreen correctly
You should apply sunscreen to your face, neck, hands, and other parts that are exposed to the sun. If you go swimming or sweat a lot, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
3. Amount and timing of sunscreen
The right way to apply sunscreen is to apply it on your face and body about 15-30 minutes before bedtime so that it can get absorbed into the skin and start working completely. As a general rule, about one teaspoon of sunscreen is required for the face.
Why I Never Forget SPF Anymore
When I spent so much time in the sun for the first time and got a sunburn, I realized how important skin protection is. I suffered from irritation, swelling and skin burning for a few days. That was the time I made my sunscreen habit a regular one. Now I always use SPF 30 or above and never forget.
Some more tips with SPF
- Wear a hat and sunglasses , which provide extra protection to your skin.
- Eat a healthy diet and increase your water intake so that your skin remains healthy from inside as well.
- Use natural oils , like aloe vera or coconut oil, to provide even more moisture and protection to your skin.
Conclusion: Nowadays, ignoring skin protection can be very dangerous. Not just the harsh sun, but pollution, blue light and other factors can also damage our skin. Therefore, regular use of SPF and proper skin protection measures help keep our skin healthy and young.
After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and protecting it should be our priority. So, the next time you go out, remember to use SPF to keep your skin protected.
Take care of yourself for healthy skin, and always use SPF!
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