How should I choose and use sunscreen?

Summer sultry sun in most people is associated not only with an excellent tan, but also with certain skin problems: burns, irritations, allergies, etc. These all phenomena act as a result of a frivolous result to, at first glance, harmless sunbeams. They avoid all sorts of sunscreens, of which sunscreens are naturally the most common. Sunscreens help protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight, while moisturizing it, promote a firm and even tan, prevent aging of the skin, and also act as a prophylaxis for the onset of a disease such as skin cancer.

When choosing a sunscreen, attention should be paid to the SPF index. This indicator is one of the most important in the process of choosing a cream and is indicated by numbers from three to thirty. These figures indicate how many times longer you can be in the sun, using a cream, rather than without additional protection.

The skin is more sensitive to the sun, the SPF - the index should be higher. In addition, the choice of the number of the SPF index also depends on geographical latitudes. For example, when resting in Turkey, you should stock up on a cream with a higher protective degree. In the event of a weekend at the cottage in the suburbs, you should purchase a cream with a lower protective degree. However, as dermatologists recommend, do not use sunscreen, in which the SPF - an index below 15.

Sunscreens come in 2 types: they film the sun's rays, as well as those that block the sun's rays.

Sunscreens that film the sun's rays, during the application form on the skin a special film that absorbs ultraviolet. The minus of these creams is that most of them are directed only against one type of ultraviolet ray (B), but type A, which is more harmful, they miss. In addition, the sunscreen screening cream can penetrate the skin, falling in small amounts into the human body, and also cause allergies.

For this reason, choosing a screening sunscreen, you need to pay special attention to its composition and choose a cream containing parsol 1789 or avobenzone - this substance protects against both types of ultraviolet. However, it will not be superfluous to conduct a sample of the cream, applying it to a small area of ​​the skin to determine if it causes allergies.

Sunscreens that block sunlight, contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, thanks to which such creams remain on the skin, reflecting ultraviolet rays of types A and B.

Sunscreens with a water repellent effect are relevant for those who are going to spend a vacation at sea. A special composition of these creams is able to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation even during bathing. But lovers of swimming should remember that immediately after bathing, dry yourself and apply sunscreen again.

In addition, sunscreen should also contain vitamins, vegetable extracts, minerals that have a beneficial effect on the skin, moisturize and remove irritation. You should prefer sunscreen, which contains vitamins E and A, extracts of green tea, aloe, chamomile, hibiscus and calendula.

Be sure to pay attention to the shelf life of the cream, and remember that the sunscreen can be used no more than 6 months.

Initially, you need to prepare the skin for sunlight, at least a week before the trip to the sea. Apply the cream on the body and face for 30 minutes before exposure to the sun - it is after this time that the sun filters start to work, which are already completely absorbed into the skin. To apply, take a little cream, evenly distribute it on the skin and allow it to completely absorb.

Application of the cream should be repeated every three hours, even if the cream has a high protection filter. This is especially true for people with sensitive light skin, and also for children. Even when sunscreen is used, sunbathing should begin from 15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the time in the sun.

Sunscreen should be used also on cloudy days, when the sun, which hid behind the clouds, is especially insidious. It is necessary to avoid staying in the sun during the increased activity of the sun - from 11 to 16 hours. It is at this time that the effectiveness of even the most persistent cream decreases. Also it should be said that sunscreen is not recommended for children under the age of six.