Sun Protection

What Is SPF?

What does SPF mean? SPF or the Sun Protection Factor of a product is important but should never be the sole criteria for judging whether the product will give you the best protection or not. Keep in mind that SPF only provides protection from UVA rays and not UVB rays. Literally, SPF quantifies how long you can stay out in the sun without tanning. For instance, if your skin starts to burn after 10 minutes, and you use a cream with an SPF of 8, then you can stay out in the sun for 80 minutes. After 80 minutes, your protective shield will stop working and you must reapply your sunscreen. But even products with the highest SPFs must be reapplied after 90 minutes in the sun. This, however, is only true if you're out in the sun for a long time. But if you're not out in the sun much and your sun minutes are only travelling time between work and home, anything with SPF between 15 to 30 will suffice.

Side Effects:
It's not all good news. A sunscreen, if not chosen carefully, can work adversely and harm your skin. Stop using a sunscreen if you notice any of the following symptoms and immediately consult a dermatologist:
1. Increased whiteheads and blackheads. Always use a sunscreen that suits your skin type; don't choose heavy-duty ones assuming they offer better protection. A heavy, cream-based sunscreen can block the pores and cause whiteheads and blackheads.
2. Increase in acne; If you have acne-prone skin, sunscreens may at times cause breakouts due to blocked pores.
3. Phototoxic reaction: Sometimes sunscreen works in reverse. Instead of protecting against tanning, your skin could be getting darker. This can happen in the case of sensitive skin. You should immediately consult a dermatologist.
4. Presence of PABA: Certain sunscreens contain PABA which could cause a reaction if you have sensitive skin.
5. Fragrance: We may love scented products but fragrance can cause allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to look for a fragrance-free product-check out medicated sunscreens that are easily available at almost all pharmacies.

Checklist:
Choose the right product with this handy list:
Look For:

Ingredients:
Should contain at least two of these: