Millions of people are afflicted with skin cancer every year. As per the doctors, most of these cases could have been avoided with proper preventive Suncare. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
Don’ts
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen even when you are indoors – Protecting your skin at all times is important. Glass windows offer little protection against ultraviolet rays which cause brown spots and wrinkles. Take special care when you are driving as the harmful rays can easily penetrate the car windows and windshields and affect your skin.
- Don’t use sunscreen only on your face – It is important to use sunscreen on your forearms, hands, ears and lips. These parts of the body also receive plenty of sun exposure and can start showing signs of aging pretty early.
- Don’t think that a “waterproof” sunscreen will last for a longer duration –
- No matter what the manufacturers say, these lotions will go away within 30 minutes of spending in the water or after some time of excessive sweating.
- Don’t think you don’t need sunscreen when in shade – The ultraviolet rays can penetrate through umbrellas and can also bounce off concrete, water, sand and all kinds of reflective surfaces. It is best to follow your suncare regime in winters as well. Snow reflects around 80 percent of the rays of the sun.
- Don’t fear if you get sunburnt – Most cases of sunburn can be treated with a rage of treatment methods. You can consult a skin specialist to guide you about the best way to treat your burns.
- Don’t opt for a tan – While the tan may look good, it is actually harmful for the skin. Even if you are going for a ‘safe tan’ it can be quite dangerous.
Also Read : Tips for younger looking skin
Do’s
- Do make sunscreen a part of your daily regimen– A sunscreen is not there justfor cosmetic sake but is an important part of everyday skin care. Use a sunscreen withSPF 15-30+. If you plan to stay outdoors for a long period, go for SPF 30+. Use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.Do not believe sunscreens that claim to contain SPF higher than 50. As per somestudies, there is no proof that they offer better protection.
- Do apply sunscreen before you go out – Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you step out. It is important that sunscreen is fully absorbed into your skin to be effective.
- Do use sunscreen every day of the year – It is important to apply sunscreeneven on a cloudy day as 80 percent of the sun’s rays can still go through the clouds.
- Do avoid the sun as much as possible – The rays of the sun are at its strongest from 10 am to 4 pm. It is best to stay away from the sun during this period. This is the best way for preventing sun damage.
- Do wear protective clothing – Just applying sunscreen is not enough to protect yourself from the powerful rays of the sun. It is also important to wear light, long sleeved shirts, wide hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun.
- Do use sunscreen irrespective of your age – No matter what the age of a person, it is important to use a sunscreen. You cannot be too old or too young for it. The rays of the sun can harm everyone equally. However, do not use sunscreen on an infant without first consulting your paediatrician. Test a small amount of sunscreen on the wrist of your child before using it to check for any allergic reactions to the ingredients.
Also Read : Skincare for dry skin
- Do wear sunglasses to save your eyes from the sun – You cannot use sunscreen on your eyes. However, they too are prone to damage from the ultra violet rays of the sun. It is a must to wear sun glasses whenever you step outdoors.
- Do reapply sunscreen – Applying sunscreen once a day is not sufficient. It is essential that you apply it every two hours for protecting your skin.
- Don’t think clouds have blocked the sun – A cloudy day does not mean that the rays are not touching you. Even when it is behind the clouds, the sun can cause you a lot of harm.
- Do check the ingredients in your sunscreen – Check the label carefully to see if the sunscreen you are considering contains titanium dioxide, zinc, Mexoryl SX, and avenobenzone – all of which are excellent at blocking off the rays of the sun. Do not buy products that are potentially carcinogenic such as vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), insect repellent, and oxybenzone.
- Do remind the men in your life to use sunscreen – As per a study, around 80 percent of women use sunscreen while only 35 percent of men do. Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind for preventing sun damage and for a sun protected and flawless skin.
