Using sunscreen every day: myth or truth?

Summer arrives and we all rush to buy sunscreen. However, applying sunscreen should never be restricted to summer only. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that anyone ages 6 and older use sunscreen every day, even people who work indoors. Here are reasons to use sunscreen daily:

1. Sunscreens are an effective way to block the sun's UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the culprits behind reddened skin and sunburn. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are not filtered by the ozone layer and represent 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin without you realizing it, causing premature skin aging (photoaging), wrinkles and age spots. UVA and UVB rays increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Even on rainy or cloudy days, up to 40% of the sun's ultraviolet radiation still reaches the earth.
3. A 2013 study published in the American College of Physicians' Annals of Internal Medicine compared daily sunscreen use versus discretionary use in people under 55 years of age. Over the course of the 4.5-year study, those who used sunscreen daily were found. have 24% less skin aging compared to those who did not.

The benefits of sunscreen

In addition to helping prevent premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer, sunscreen also has the following functions:
1. Prevents blemishes: Sunscreen prevents the appearance of acne, blemishes and red vein breakouts, leading to a more even complexion.
2. Prevents uneven tanning: If you don't want your skin to look uneven after tanning, you need to use sunscreen!
3. Protects skin proteins: Sunscreen protects collagen, keratin and elastin in the skin to keep it smooth and healthy.
4. Sunscreens are essential when you use treatments that make your skin more photosensitive, such as retinol, AHA or BHA.

Different types of sunscreens

1. Physical vs. physical sunscreen chemical sunscreen

The active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms: physical (also mineral or natural) and chemical (also synthetic).
Physical filters reflect, scatter and block UVA and UVB rays. They are relatively stable and are therefore suitable for people with sensitive skin. Filters can also be reduced to nanoparticle size to make the sunscreen lighter and prevent a white cast from forming, although there are still concerns about the safety of these nanoparticles. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two of the most common physical filters.
Chemical filters absorb UV radiation, which is then dissipated as heat. Most absorb either UVA or UVB rays, but not both. Some can cause stinging eyes, dermatitis, or hormonal disruption. Examples of chemical filters include avobenzone, ecamsule (i.e. Mexoryl™ patented by L'Oréal), octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone. This article from the Environmental Working Group explains in detail the potential risks of chemical filters.

2. Cream, Gel, Stick, Powder or Spray?

Sunscreens come in many forms: solid, liquid, colored and colorless. Many cosmetic products also include enough SPF protection for daily use. This brings us to the next topic about choosing the right sunscreen.

How to choose the right sunscreen

1. The FPS (sun protection factor) measures protection against UVB rays and the PA (which stands for “Degree of protection from UVA rays”) indicates protection against UVA rays. Broad spectrum means protection against both. The American Cancer Society recommends using sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher, while the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreens with at least 30 SPF. Both organizations recommend broad-spectrum sunscreens. While Western sunscreen brands often indicate only SPF on their labels, Asian brands, especially Japanese and Korean ones, include SPF and PA measurements (the plus sign) on their packaging to indicate the level of broad-spectrum protection.

2. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, creams are best for dry skin and face. Gels are good for hairy areas such as the scalp and male chest. The sticks are perfect for local application, such as the nose, ears and around the eyes. Sprays are preferred by parents as they are easy to apply to children. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that consumers not do so for fear of the spray being inhaled by children.

Look for the PA index, not just the high SPF.

Choice depends on indoor/outdoor activity.

Makeup: 15 minutes after applying sunscreen.

The recommended amount of sunscreen use is 0.8g ~ 1.2g.
Apply a sufficient amount frequently.



Q. Are there ultraviolet rays on cloudy days?
A. UVA is present on cloudy days too. Ultraviolet B is strong in summer and low in winter, but UVA remains constant regardless of the season. It cannot be blocked with windows or glass curtains, so the interior is not a safe zone. Ultraviolet rays are easily spread by water vapor or air pollutants, so it is not worth staying in the shade. This is why you should apply sunscreen whether indoors or outdoors.

If you are in strong sunlight, the sunscreen will wear off after 2 hours. If you sweat a lot or play in water, you can wash yourself more quickly. In this case, it is better to choose a product that is water resistant. After contact with water, the product maintains more than 50% of the UV protection function for a certain period of time (1 hour for water resistance and 2 hours for continuous water resistance).

Q. Do children need to wear sunscreen?
A. Sunscreen is essential for children with weak skin. Skin damage caused by UV rays in childhood causes freckles, spots and mushrooms. Some studies show that skin cancer is more likely to occur when exposed to excessive UV rays before the age of 20. Sunscreen is recommended for use from 6 months of age. There are gentle baby sunscreens on the market. SPF 15 ~ 25, PA ++ is suitable, and it is recommended to apply SPF 30 or more and PA ++ or more when outdoors. Forehead, cheekbone and nose areas are particularly susceptible to ultraviolet light; therefore, parents must take care of them.

Q. Please tell me how to wash off sunscreen
A. The phrase “it's more important to remove makeup than to do it” also applies to sunscreen. If sunscreen is left on the skin, it can mix with sweat, sebum and dirt, causing skin problems. You should wash at least before going to bed. Baby sunscreens are gentle and wash off well with water. If you have used oily sunscreen, use soap and cleanser to clean.