Have you gotten your swimsuit, sunnies and sunscreen out for the summer? Well, technically it’s almost always summer in Malaysia due to sweltering heat all year round.
But, as we move towards sunnier days and quite possibly, drier skin, here’s an informative piece on using sunscreen and making sure your skin stays smooth and supple from the harsh rays of the sun.
What are Sunscreens?
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?
There are two types of UV radiation. UVA (A stands for aging) rays penetrate the skin deep and is commonly associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and other effects of photoageing. UVB (B stands for burning) rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer.
Choose a product that states ‘UVA/UVB’ protection or has a ‘broad spectrum’ protectant.
How much SPF is enough?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection against the sun’s harmful UVB rays. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out in the sun without burning.
SPF Number x Time to Burn without Protection = Time to Burn with Protection
For example: SPF 15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes of protection
Do take note that the higher numbers of SPF does not immediately constitute longer hours of sun protection. An SPF 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30.
Waterproof vs Water resistant
Looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water? Choose one that is ‘waterproof’ or ‘water resistant’. Waterproof sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes while water-resistant sunscreen provides around 40 minutes of protection.
How to Slather?
Ideally, sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow it to be fully absorbed into the skin. Studies show that on average, people use only 20%-50% the recommended amount of sunscreen, diminishing the quality of protection received. So be sure to slather liberally and allow time for absorption.
To Reapply or To Not Reapply?
Consider your personal needs and habits when deciding the best sun protectant. You may also need to consider your application depending on activity level. For instance, if you’ll be in the water or sweating a lot, it is best to reapply frequently. Adding sunscreen to your daily routine can block UVA, promoting graceful aging and UVB, which can keep your skin from burning. So, safely minimise your sun exposure risk and choose the right product to best fit your lifestyle.
You Need These Homemade Sunscreen Recipes!
Looking for cheaper and natural alternatives over store-bought sunscreen products? Well, here are two recipes you could try at home!
Homemade Sunscreen Serves 10 Applications
Ingredients
- 10 drops lavender
- 1 tbsp pomegranate oil
- 3/4 coconut oil
- 2 tbsp zinc oxide
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- Glass jar
Directions
- Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide in a jar.
- Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water on stove over medium/low heat.
- Place jar in saucepan and stir contents until ingredients start to melt.
- Once all ingredients are combined, add in zinc oxide and stir well. Store in a cool place.
Here’s an alternative recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
- ¼ cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder).
- Up to 1 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil– optional
- Up to 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil– optional
- 2 tablespoons shea butter (natural SPF 4-5)- optional
- Optional: essential oils, vanilla extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference (Do not use citrus essential oils as they increase sun sensitivity)
Directions
- Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar.
- Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
- Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
- As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
- Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
- Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
- Store at room temperature.
References:
- draxe.com
- wellnessmama.com
- US Food and Drug Administration
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors
