Why Should We Use Sunscreen?
UV rays are omnipresent and can harm the skin by inducing pigmentation, sunburn, and dark spots, as well as accelerating skin ageing and redness. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can even lead to skin cancer.
Therefore, sunscreen is an indispensable product for daily use. It shields the skin from UV damage, prevents sunburn and other sun-related issues, and helps maintain healthy skin. But do you truly understand its importance? Here, we explain five essential facts about sunscreen to help you choose the right sun protection suitable for your skin type.
1. The Golden Rule of Using Sunscreen
Many people believe that sunscreen immediately protects the skin upon application, but the key is the timing of application! For optimal sun protection, it is recommended to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, allowing enough time for the skin to absorb it evenly. This ensures that the sunscreen adheres well to the skin, maximizing its efficacy in sun protection.
2. How to Choose the Right SPF Level
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection a product provides against UVB rays, representing the time it takes for the skin to resist UV rays before sunburn occurs. For example, SPF 30 means the skin can withstand UV rays 30 times longer than if no sunscreen were applied at all. Therefore, a higher SPF allows the sunscreen to delay sunburn for a longer period.
You can choose the appropriate SPF level based on your daily activities. For outdoor sports or activities, a higher SPF is recommended. However, for regular daily use, SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient for adequate protection. Keep in mind that higher SPF levels contain more sunscreen ingredients, which may burden the skin unnecessarily.
3. The Importance of PA Rating
UVA rays have strong penetrating power and can reach the skin's dermis layer, altering collagen and elastin fibers, generating free radicals, increasing melanin production, and ultimately leading to skin sagging, fine lines, and premature skin ageing.
The "PA rating" stands for Protection Grade of UVA, a UVA protection index published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. It is commonly found in products produced in Asia. As there is currently no unified international standard for labeling products' UVA protection, brands from countries such as Australia, Europe, and the Americas may use "Broad Spectrum Protection" to indicate effective UVA protection.
4. Should We Choose Physical or Chemical Sunscreen?
Both physical and chemical sunscreens operate on different principles and come with their own pros and cons when it comes to sun protection.
Physical sunscreen works by forming a thin film on the skin's surface using mineral powders. When exposed to UVA and UVB rays, it reflects, refracts, and blocks UV rays without being absorbed into the skin. As a result, physical sunscreen typically has higher safety and stability in its active ingredients, reducing the risk of skin allergies, acne, or dark spots, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, it tends to have a heavier, greasier texture, a more noticeable color, and may leave a white cast. It can also feel sticky on oily skin.
Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, absorbs UV rays into its components, neutralizing and reducing direct damage to the skin. Because it penetrates the skin, there is a relatively higher risk of allergic reactions. However, chemical sunscreen has a lightweight, watery texture, feels non-greasy, and is easy to apply, making it suitable for oily skin prone to breakouts.
5. Should We Apply Sunscreen on Cloudy or Rainy Days?
UV rays are omnipresent; even on overcast or rainy days, UVA rays can penetrate cloud cover and contribute to skin ageing. Therefore, the absence of direct sunlight does not mean the absence of UV rays. Remember, regardless of the weather, time, or location, it is essential to apply sunscreen every day! The need to reapply sunscreen depends on the duration of outdoor exposure, and it is recommended to reapply every 1 to 2 hours during outdoor activities.
CANVAS Sun Protect Gel SPF30
This lightweight and refreshing sunscreen offers a dual physical and chemical protection formula. By combining a milder physical sunscreen with a non-greasy chemical sunscreen, it reduces skin irritation compared to using chemical sunscreen alone. This combination provides comprehensive protection against UVA and UVB rays, minimizes skin exposure to external pollutants, and offers a more holistic sun protection effect.
Infused with safflower seed oil, cucumber, and green tea extracts, it deeply moisturises the skin, tightens pores, and helps combat oxidation and pollution. While providing sun protection, it also delivers skincare benefits. Its efficacy has been certified, making it a powerful choice for sun protection!
