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POSTED: 2 May 2023

How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

where you live, protecting your skin from the sun matters. One of the best tools for the job is sunscreen, which your skin from radiation. Daily sunscreen does more than save you from sun damage, since it also lowers your chances of skin cancer. In this article we look at the science behind sunburn and skin damage, how SPF works and the types of sunscreen. The aim is to help you protect yourself from the rays you meet every day.

What is the Science of Sunburn & Skin Damage?

Sunburn is a common and painful that when the skin meets the sun’s harmful UV rays for an extended period proper protection. It can have both immediate and long-term effects on the skin. UV rays, particularly UVB, penetrate the skin’s outer layer and damage the DNA in skin cells. When that DNA is damaged, it a protective response. The blood in the skin dilate, which causes the redness and inflammation we associate with . The cells also that stimulate nerve endings to produce pain and discomfort.

In response, the skin may peel and become dry and itchy as it sheds cells and tries to repair itself. Over time, sun and sunburn lead to longer-term . Sun damage can cause . It can also raise the risk of skin cancer, including common types such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. UV radiation is the cause of skin cancer, and most skin cancers relate to sun exposure. This is why sunscreen is so important for the kind of skin damage that may lead to cancer.

What Does SPF Mean & How Does it Work?

uses active ingredients that absorb or scatter UV rays before they the skin, which how much radiation reaches it. Two types of UV ray damage the skin, UVA and UVB. UVA rays prematurely age the skin and are linked to skin cancer, whilst UVB rays are the leading cause of . SPF stands for sun factor, and it how well a sunscreen the skin from UVB radiation, the main cause of .

products show SPF as a number, such as SPF 15, SPF 30 or SPF 50, representing the amount of protection on offer. The SPF number also how much longer you can stay in the sun burning compared with wearing no sunscreen at all. For example, if you would normally burn after 10 minutes, an SPF 15 would in theory let you stay out for around 150 minutes (10 minutes multiplied by 15). This only holds if you apply and reapply it . The active ingredients, whether organic or inorganic, act as a barrier that absorbs or reflects UVB rays. This helps prevent and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

It is essential to that SPF only protection UVB rays. It does not necessarily reflect UVA rays, which also contribute to skin damage and skin cancer. This is why you should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both. Higher SPF values give more UVB rays, but the is not to the number. For example, SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB rays, whilst SPF 50 filters about 98%. As a rule, a minimum of SPF 30 is sensible. Even so, you should also stay in the shade and wear protective and hats, since no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV .

What’s the Difference Between Chemical & Physical Sunscreen?

There are two main types of sunscreen, and physical. They protect the skin in different ways, which how they feel and who they suit best.

organic (carbon-based) compounds as their active . These absorb UV before it penetrates the skin, usually using a combination of compounds. Once applied, they form a protective layer that absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, which the skin then .

contain compounds, usually or . They sit on top of the skin and form a that reflects and UV rays away. Physical do not absorb into the skin and immediately on .

The choice between them comes down to your and needs, your skin type, sensitivity and activity level. Chemical tend to be and easy to apply, with a thinner that suits use Birthmarks and blemishes under makeup. They often offer broad against both UVA and UVB too. However, some people with sensitive skin react to certain filters with or . Physical tend to be thicker and may leave a white cast because of their reflective ingredients, but those with skin generally tolerate them better. Their immediate also makes them a good option for sensitive skin, babies and children.

What are Broad-Spectrum & Water-Resistant Sunscreens?

Broad-spectrum protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Choosing one is therefore important for safeguarding against the effects of each. sunscreen is to hold its when exposed to water, sweat or moisture. It keeps protecting for a set period even when your skin is wet. It is worth that does not mean waterproof, so you still need to after swimming, sweating or off.

When a that offers both and protection, a few help.

How Do You Apply Sunscreen Effectively?

Applying correctly is essential to getting the full . A few tips help you get it right.

When Should You Reapply Sunscreen?

As a rule, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating or towelling off. A few other factors change how often you need to top up, though. If you spend long outdoors, especially during peak hours (typically 10am to 4pm), you may need to reapply more often. The sun’s shifts through the day. exercise can rub or wash sunscreen away, which reduces and calls for more frequent . Some formulas also wear off faster than others, so choose a product and follow the manufacturer’s reapplication advice.

To reapply effectively through the day, these habits help.

Reapplying keeps your skin from the sun’s UV through the day.

What are the Other Forms of Sun Protection?

alone is not always enough to safeguard your skin from UV radiation. A few other measures add protection. Clothing and offer an extra protective layer. Opt for tightly woven fabrics that more and a higher UV rating, and remember that darker absorb more UV than ones. Wide-brimmed hats shade the face, neck and ears, whilst sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays.

Seeking shade is another effective . When the sun is at its peak, stay in the shade as much as you can. Where none exists, use an umbrella, beach tent or other portable shade. Sun protection matters in many settings, not just at the beach or pool. UV can still reach you in shaded areas, on cloudy days or during activities like hiking, or sport. It is worth prioritising protection whatever the setting or weather, by combining sunscreen, clothing and shade to minimise your skin’s exposure.

Looking after your skin and it from UV rays is essential. Sun damage does more than cause sunburn, since melanoma affects over in the UK each year, and proper UV helps prevent it. Remember that sun protection is a effort.

At City Skin Clinic, we are about . We offer custom and using prescription-strength and where appropriate. Our doctors treat conditions including , , and via compounded around you. Book a or start your today. Your journey towards great skin starts here.

This is for general only and is not a for medical advice, or . Always a medical professional with any about your skin or treatment options.

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