Mastering the art of sun protection for healthy skin all year round

When it comes to protecting your skin against premature ageing and harmful UV rays, sunscreens are an absolute must. Regardless of the season, sunscreen is your trusted ally in the battle against skin damage caused by the sun’s rays. However, many people make mistakes that hinder their effectiveness—inadequate application, such as using too little or not reapplying every two hours, or even using the wrong type of sunscreen, which would further compromise protection.

One of the most common mistakes is using an inadequate amount of sunscreen. A thin or uneven application can significantly reduce the level of protection provided, leaving the skin vulnerable to sunburn and potential long- term damage. To ensure proper coverage, experts recommend using at least a shot glass worth of sunscreen for the entire body and a dime-sized amount for the face and neck. But let’s face it, not everyone has a shot glass handy to measure their sunscreens—an easier measurement would be the use of the two-finger rule. Squeeze out your fluid sunscreen onto both the index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips and this is the amount that should go on your face. Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin before applying make-up. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t want your make-up to mix with the sunscreen, as it may reduce its effectiveness.

...UNLESS IT’S SPF

SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. The SPF number indicates the level of UVB protection a sunscreen offers. Typically, an SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient for protecting your skin from sunburn and reducing the risk of skin damage. However, SPF alone does not address UVA protection, which penetrates deeper into the skin and can cause long-term damage, including premature ageing and skin cancer. This is where “broad-spectrum protection” and PA ratings come into play. Some sunscreens list “broad-spectrum protection” to indicate that they guard against both UVA and UVB rays. In contrast, countries, particularly in Asia, like Singapore, Thailand Japan and South Korea, use PA ratings to specify the level of UVA protection. PA ratings range from PA+ to PA++++, with more “+” signs signifying higher UVA protection. By incorporating both SPF and PA ratings, sunscreens offer a comprehensive defence against the full spectrum of UV radiation, shielding skin from sunburn and long-term damage effectively.

PACK YOUR SUNSCREENS

The moment your sunscreen is exposed to UV rays, it begins to photodegrade, which is why reapplication is crucial. A common mistake many make is not reapplying sunscreen regularly, significantly reducing the protection they receive. A study in 2018 by the American Academy of Dermatology noted that only 33 percent of Americans reapply their sunscreen. This oversight can leave the skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays and increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

To ensure effective sun protection, experts advise reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially during prolonged sun exposure, swimming, or heavy sweating. Opt for water-resistant sunscreen formulations when engaging in water activities or physical exertion to maintain the product’s efficacy. Sunscreen formats like sprays, cushions or sticks are convenient for quick touch-ups throughout the day, allowing for seamless reapplication over makeup without disrupting your look. Again, ensure that you are using the right amount of sunscreen even in your reapplication. In the case of sunscreen sticks, you need at least two to three passes. For sprays, you need to see a visible sheen on the skin. Powder sunscreens are not advisable as they offer limited protection and coverage—you need a large amount for protection and that translates to a cakey look after application. They are often not waterproof, which means they would also congeal when mixed with sweat or water. Best to stick to a sunscreen cushion. Mastering the art of skin protection means understanding the importance of sunscreen, choosing the right SPF and using the right application techniques. Sunscreens come in a variety of formats for you to easily incorporate it into your daily routine. By avoiding common sunscreen mistakes and ensuring consistent application, you can effectively protect your skin from premature ageing and the damaging effects of UV rays, ensuring a radiant and healthy complexion all year round.