Applying sunblock is one of the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. But it turns out, sunscreen can do more than. It doesn't just protect yourself from cancer. You might have heard of it as a way to prevent wrinkles. Is there truth to it? Keep reading to know more.
Regular Sunblock Prevents Photoaging
This study concluded that "Regular sunscreen use retards skin aging in healthy, middle-aged men and women. No overall effect of β-carotene on skin aging was identified, and further study is required to definitively exclude potential benefit or potential harm.” But not all sunscreen products are the same. You must choose the best product.
Finding the Best Sunblock
Sunblock products can help shield you from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. They scatter the light and reflect it away from your body. Other products can absorb the UV rays so they won’t reach your skin. When finding the best protection, you may think that you only consider the SPF number. Nowadays, it’s more than that.
Knowing Its Ingredients
Not all sunblock products are created equal. Some contain harmful ingredients. That’s why when choosing sun protection, you need to understand what it contains. If you don’t, then you’ll wind up using a product that does nothing to protect your skin. For instance, if the product has Tinosorb S, you should avoid it. It’s an ideal ingredient to prevent sun damage. This is a popular ingredient in Europe. However, it has not been approved by the FDA.
Choosing Sunscreen with Meroxyl SX
It’s a UV filter that you can find on many sunscreens. It can block UVA1. It’s an effective UV absorber that can help in preventing sun damage. It has been used in Europe since the early 1990s. But the US FDA only approved it in 2006. If you choose a product with meroxyl SX, it’s best to find it with avobenzone. When these ingredients are combined, they can give you better UVA protection.
How to Effectively Apply Sunblock?
In addition to buying the right product with the right formulations, it’s also important to know how to properly apply it. It’ll be useless to buy sunblock if you don’t use it every day. Experts recommend applying it liberally onto the skin every day, even if you don’t see the sun. And make sure to re-apply it every two to three hours. If you sweat a lot, make sure to re-apply it often.
Wear Other Sun Protection
Sunblock is just one way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. There are other ways to protect your skin.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt.
- Make sure to opt for long pants.
- Choose clothes that are made with sun-protective materials.
- Wear a hat that shades your neck, ears, and face
- Finally, wear a pair of sunglasses with 99% UV absorption