Sunscreen is the indispensable part of personal skin care routine. Exposure to the sun damages the skin. It may lead to many skin problems like, wrinkles, premature aging, freckles and spots. In addition to these problems, other effects can include sunburn and skin cancer. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
UVA rays (the aging rays) are the longest rays in the spectrum, which passes through the window glass and penetrate deeper into the dermis the thickest layer of skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system and damage at the cellular level that affects the immune system’s ability to protect the skin against signs of aging. The UVB rays are the shorter rays, which are blocked by the window glass and responsible for burn. These rays are also known as burning rays.
Application of sunscreen is very essential to safeguard your skin from these skin issues. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to all exposed part of your body 15-30 minutes before you go outside in the sun so that it may get enough time for absorption. Frequency of application of sunscreen will increase in cases of excessive sweating and swimming and in humid and tropical climates. It should be applied on cloudy days also as up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Applying of sunscreen is beneficial to your skin if you apply on the areas that are not covered with clothing even if you are not going out of your home. Adequate amount of sunscreen can protect your skin from premature aging, freckles and spot. People with sensitive skin must apply sunscreen with SPF-30 or more as their skin get burn more quickly.
There are two types of sunscreen. One type of sunscreen absorbs the harmful UV rays are also known as chemical sunscreen and other type of sunscreen either block or deflect the UV rays to save the skin from damaging. These types of sunscreen are called physical (organic) sunscreen. Chemical screen contains synthetic or chemical filters. Chemical ingredients in the sunscreen can break down the rays thus rendering them ineffective. Safe alternative to the chemical sunscreens are in the form of organic/natural sunscreens. Organic sunscreen contains ingredients from plants that nurture and protects the skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the main ingredients of physical sunscreen that block/deflect the sun-rays. Zinc oxide is quite safe for the skin as it has been classified as a category-I product by FDA.
Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
– 225 Grams sunflower or soybean oil
– 25 Grams emulsifying wax
– 25 Grams zinc oxide
Preparation: Put all the ingredients in a mixture and mix them properly. Your sunscreen is ready to use. Keep the remaining sunscreen in a cool place for further use. More information about various sunscreen recipes as per type of skin and other skin care need is available at Skin and Beautycare.
