Here comes the sun(screen)

Hello everyone!

Believe it or not, there are still a lot of misconceptions about sunscreen.  Today's post aims at clarifying some of those misconceptions.  Let's get started!


Truth or Fiction?

You don't need sunscreen if you have dark skin or already have a tan. 
Fact: Everybody, regardless of race, ethnic origins and skin type is subject to the damaging effects of exposure to the sun. 

Sunscreen, with SPF-30 provides twice as much protection as SPF-15. 
Fact: NO.  Here's an SPF guide:
SPF 15 - 1/15 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 93%.
SPF 30 - 1/30 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 97%. 
SPF 50 - 1/50 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 98%.

Waterproof sunscreen provides "all day protection" and does not need to be re-applied. 
Fact: Waterproof sunscreens loses some of their effectiveness after 40 minutes. 

Cloudy days limit the power of the sun's rays. 
Fact: 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds. 

Using sunscreen will prevent skin cancer. 
Fact: NO.  Some researchers even blame sunscreen use for encouraging people to stay in the sun longer than they should.  You should also avoid some of the chemicals used in sunscreen such as para-aminobenzoic (PABA), and oxbenzone.
  • There is no rating system for UVA protection.
  • Most sunscreens are good at blocking UVB rays (the ones that burn) but not UVA (the ones primarily responsible for DNA damage and melanomas).
  • Very High SPF numbers (SPF-100+) are mostly marketing ploys.  SPF-30 is enough. 

Here Comes the Sun(Screen)
Via: Best Nursing Masters Degrees

Some positive effects of UVA
  • Helps with Vitamin D production: strengthens bones, muscles and the body's immune system.  It may lower the risk of getting some kinds of cancers such as colon cancer. 
  • Helps some skin conditions. 
  • Helps moods - sunlight stimulates the pineal gland in the brain to produce certain chemicals called 'tryptamines'.  These chemicals improve our mood.

Protection: A timeline
  • Ancient Egyptians used potions to ward off tan and also heal damaged skin.  Some of those ingredients were rice bran extracts (today, gamma oryzanol), jasmine and Lupine extract. 
  • Early 1930s: First sunburn cream produced by South Australian chemist HA Milton. 
  • 1936: First sunscreen debuts by Eugene Schueller, founder of L'Oreal Company. 
  • 1938: SPF factor developed.  First commercially available screen had SPF 2. 
  • 1944: Remember the Coppertone girl.  She took a first bow this year 
  • 1980: Coppertone developed the first UVA/UVB sunscreen.
    If you want to make your own all-natural sunscreen, click here for the recipe!



    Related post:

    Sunscreen 101


    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    DIY: Natural deodorant (spray)

    Image
    Hello everyone!  If, like me, you hate the chemical-laden, store-bought deodorants,  y ou can make your own natural deodorant from scratch � in both  solid  and spray form.  Since I�ve already posted a  DIY solid deodorant recipe , I want to share my favourite spray deodorant formula, too.  This one is way easier and quicker to make.  Enjoy! Ingredients: 60 ml (2 fl oz) witch hazel (astringent) 12 drops of essential oil - Choose an oil with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties such as, sweet orange, tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, etc. Method: Pour your ingredients into a spray bottle and screw the top back on.  Shake well before use.  It's super simple to make and it  really does work ! Have you ever tried using a DIY deodorant?  Do you prefer a solid or a spray formula? Have a great day!
    Read more

    Outfit inspiration (Halloween edition) - Where's Wally? (Waldo)

    Image
    Hello everyone! Halloween is quickly approaching so  today I want to share  with  you an  easy, last minute costume  idea .  Want to dress up as  Wally   from  Where's Wally?   (aka Waldo)  this Halloween ?  -  Easy!   You can probably make this costume  from clothes you already have!   Wally's distinctive outfit includes a red and white striped shirt, beanie, black glasses and jeans .   The striped shirt and jeans might look like a normal, everyday outfit, but once you add the glasses and a red and white pom-pom beanie, you won't be mistaken for anyone but Wally/Waldo.  And don't forget the brown shoes and messenger bag to complete the costume.  You can also add a walking cane if you can find one.  What are you going to be for Halloween?   Similar posts: Outfit inspiration (Halloween edition) - Wednesday Addams Outfit inspiration (Halloween edition) - The Little Mermaid
    Read more

    Five common adult skin care issues

    Image
    Hello everyone! As I told you many times before, I suffer from mild acne.   Acne Vulgaris -  A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells.   Acne is  the most common skin condition  in the Western world.  Aside from Acne Vulgaris, did you know that Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Melasma, Plaque Psoriasis, and Rosacea are all very common adult skin conditions?   They can be embarrassing and irritating at times, however, they are all manageable. Check out the infographic below that details these  five common adult skincare issues , their  causes  and how to  treat them . Eczema -  A general term that describes inflammation of the skin. Seborrheic Dermatitis -  A skin condition that causes scaly patches and red skin, mainly on the scalp. Melasma -  A condition in which brown patches appear on the face. Plaque Psoriasis -  A condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. Rosacea -  A condition that causes redness a
    Read more