Sunscreens, Do You Apply Them The Right Way?
Posted On: - 2009-11-09 02:44:29
Sunscreens are an integral part of your skin care regimen. However, even though women apply sunscreen when they venture out in the sun, they are not well protected against the harmful UV rays. This is because they don't use sunscreens the right way and don't even have a clue about it.
Not applying sunscreens correctly can reduce its effectiveness and therefore, it does not provide any protection against the sun's UV rays. Here are some tips to apply sunscreens correctly and ensure maximum protection:
When to Apply
Sunscreens should be ideally applied after the moisturizer and before applying any cosmetics and make-up. In fact, you can also wear sunscreen on bare skin because it can bond with the skin and offer better protection. Try using La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX. It offers full protection against sunburn and is a great moisturizer. It contains Mexoryl SX which is photostable against UVA rays so it does not breakdown and actually lasts longer than most sunscreens.
Wait After Application
Wait for about 15-30 minutes after you apply your sunscreen before venturing out in the sun. This allows the sunscreen to get absorbed in the skin and the UV filters form a protective layer on your skin. This is especially important if you are using chemical sunscreens because its ingredients take a while to start working.
How Much to Apply
Apply about ¼ teaspoon of sunscreen on your face in order to ensure adequate protection. In fact, take about ½ teaspoon of the product and apply it generously all over your face and neck. Women often tend to forget the neck and décolleté area and end up with damaged skin there. Applying inadequate amounts of sunscreen would leave your skin susceptible to sun damage.
Pat instead of Rubbing In
The right way to apply sunscreen on the face is to pat it gently. patting it gently ensures that there is no irritation and that the product is spread all over your face.
It is very important to reapply the sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours. This is because when you remain in the outdoors for long times, the sunscreen tends to wear off, especially if you sweat a lot or go swimming. Reapplying the sunscreen frequently ensures continued protection against the sun's UV rays. So, keep a sunscreen handy while traveling. iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen comes in very handy. It is the first of its kind containing physical UV blockers comprising of 25% titanium dioxide and 20% zinc oxide. This special nanotechnology formulation provides sun protection against a vast spectrum of sunlight.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
Remember, rainy and cloudy days are no excuse to skip using sunscreens. This is because the UV rays of the sun can penetrate through clouds and windows and continue to damage your skin. In fact, if you are applying exfoliating products or taking antibiotics, your skin will be increasingly photosensitive and you may end up getting white blotches on the skin if you don't apply sunscreens effectively.
Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has authored several articles about skin care cosmetics like Anti-aging Skin Care cosmetics, Sun Tanning & Sunscreens and so on.