Why You Should Always Wear Sunscreen
As science continues to prove, getting the perfect sun-kissed skin by way of tanning outside is not a healthy activity for your skin. “The consequences of this act will be seen years later, in the form of photoaging, spots, or malignant skin lesions. The goal is to respect your skin type and your sensitivity to the sun. Never burn to the point of peeling," says dermatologist Dr. Ana Paula Fucci, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. To protect your skin from sun damage, incorporating the right sunscreen into your everyday beauty routine is essential.
Essential protection
“Be sure to apply sunscreen when you arrive at the beach or pool. It's ideal to apply it about 20 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun, to allow time for it to be absorbed and start to act. We should also reapply it every two hours or after getting wet or sweating a lot," says dermatologist Fabiana Seidl, a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.
However, even everyday sun exposure can damage the skin. Applying a sunscreen after your moisturizer or under your makeup protects you from harmful UV rays. It should be noted that many makeup and skincare products contain SPF, but these alone do not provide enough coverage. Daily sunscreen usage can prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Many sunscreens also protect your skin from free radicals caused by pollution.
Other important sunscreen tips
- Use a full teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck.
- A teaspoon of sunscreen also protects the arm and forearm, torso, or back.
- For the thigh and leg, two teaspoons are ideal.
- Choose filters with SPF above 30. For children, who have greater sensitivity, the minimum SPF is 50.
- Do not forget to protect eyelids, lips, ears, nape, hands, feet, tip and corner of the nose.
- Nylon structures, such as beach huts, let 90% of UV radiation through. Opt for dark colored models made of cotton, canvas, or other denser fibers.
