Sunblock - How to properly apply it
Excessive exposure to UVA or UVB rays from the sun are the main culprit for premature aging and wrinkles. Sunblock is the most important product that can be used to prevent this from happening but most people unfortunately don’t use it correctly, if at all. The most important factors associated with sunblock and using it correctly are the spectrum of UV radiation that is being absorbed, the amount of sunblock that is being applied and of course, the frequency of the reapplication.
UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles because they break down the collagen which inhibits the natural repair mechanisms that are in the skin. This is why it’s extremely important to apply sunblock and apply it correctly.
Most sunblock comes with an SPF number and this number measures the amount of UVB absorption. What’s confusing about this is that there really isn’t a method of reporting what the UVA absorption is. They only way to determine if your sunblock is protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients on the bottle. An excellent sunblock should have at least an SPF of 15 and should have ingredients in it such as avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
What are the proper ways to apply it? Considering most people only apply 25% to 50% of what is actually the recommended amount, take some of this advice. Apply it liberally and put enough on that it should form a slight film on your skin when it is applied. Keep in mind that it takes at least 20-30 minutes for your skin to absorb it, so you want to apply it at least a half hour before you go out in to the sun. Also, if you are female, you want to make sure that you apply it to your face last because some water-based foundations and moisturizers can break down it’s presence because of their water content. You should reapply it after being in the sun for 30 minutes and you should most definitely reapply it after you’ve been swimming, perspiring or doing any other activity.
You should also consider using a daily sunblock as well as during the hot summer months when you are exposed to the sun. Consider using a sunblock with an SPF of 15 on a daily basis to help protect your skin from any damage which may occur in the long term.