Blog

Type Of Sunscreens How And When To Use And Is It Safe For All Members Of The Family!

Posted by ecostinger on 8th Jan 2016

The products which are made from the combination of different types of ingredients and that prevent the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation are known as sunscreen. It is commonly known as sun block, sun cream, sun burn cream or suntan lotion. It can be in the form of lotion, gel or spray. It absorbs and reflects the UV radiations.

Types of Sunscreen

The different types of sunscreen include

  • Benzophenone
  • It is a type of sunscreen which contains oxybenzone as an important ingredient. The provide protection against UVB and UVA radiations.

  • Avobenzone
  • This sunscreen is used in UVA products and is known as Parsol® 1789. It is combined with other types of sunscreen in order to provide broad-spectrum protection and then applied on the skin.

  • Octisalate
  • It is a UVB sunscreen and is mostly used in lower SPF products. It can also be used when combined with higher SPF.

  • Homosalate
  • It is used is the products which has lower SPF ratings and higher SPF ratings and is a UVB sunscreen.

  • Padimate
  • It is water resistant sunscreen and is used in UVB products. It is also known as octyl dimethyl PABA.

  • Para-Aminobenzoic Acid
  • It is a type of sunscreen which was used for many years and is not used nowadays. It was used for stinging skin and staining cloth.

  • Oxybenzone
  • It is a type of sunscreen which is most commonly used. It is combined with other types of sunscreen and then used to provide broad spectrum protection.

    Levels of Sunscreen

    UVA and UVB rays are the two types of ultraviolet radiations of the sun. Skin cancer is caused by UVB rays. The level of sunscreen of SPF refers to the amount of UVB protection offered by the sunscreen.

    93% of UVB radiation is blocked by SPF 15 while 97% is blocked by SPF 30. SPF 50 can block nearly 98% of UVB radiations.

    How to Use Sunscreen In And Out Of Water

    When going in water, water resistant and water proof sunscreen should be used. Both types of sunscreens are different from one another. Water resistant sunscreen goes for only 40 minutes in water while water proof sunscreen woks for 80 minutes. Check the label before applying. Reapply the sunscreen after half an hour if it’s water resistant and reapply after an hour when it is water proof sunscreen.

    Sunscreen should be immediately applied when you come out of water. Take enough sunscreen and coat all the skin which is not covered by cloth. 1 ounce of sunscreen is more than enough to cover the exposed area of your body. The amount depends on the body size and you can adjust the amount accordingly. Apply sunscreen for at least 15 minutes before going out to your skin. Skin cancer can also be formed on the lips. So, apply a lipstick or lip balm which contains SPF of 30 or higher to protect your lips. Don’t forget to reapply he sunscreen after every two hours or after sweating.

    When to Use Sunscreen

    The sun emits harmful ultraviolet radiations all the year round so sunscreen should be used every day when you go out. About 80% of the UV rays can penetrate the skin even during cloudy days so it should be used in these days as well. The need of sunscreen can be increased by snow, water, sand as they reflect the UV radiations of the sun.

    Who Can Use Sunscreen

    Sunscreen can be used by adults, children and even by pregnant women when they are going outdoor.

  • Is There Any Difference Between Adults And Kids Sunscreen?
  • There is no difference between their sunscreen of adults and kids. It is said that no safer ingredients are used for kids. Manufacturers use the same active ingredients for in kid’s sunscreen as they use in adult’s sunscreen.

    Tips for Using Sunscreen Correctly For Maximum Protection

    Sunscreen should be applied after moisture and before makeup. After applying chemical sunscreen wait for 20 to 30 minutes before going out. Apply 1/4 teaspoon of the sunscreen on your entire face and if some areas of your body is exposed then use 1 ounce to ensure adequate coverage. Instead of rubbing the sunscreen pat on it. Reapply after every 2 hours and should be applied daily.

    Now you know everything you need to know about sunscreen. Use this information to protect your skin and that of your loved one, you can use sunscreen with sun protective swimwear for maximum results, UV clothing provide UVA and UVB sun protection which can block over 97.5% of the sun UV rays.