I am surprised that many people are shocked to find out how much sun block lotion they’re actually suppose to wear.
When I step out of the bathroom and saw him all prepared to hit the beach. I was surprised and so I check if he brought all the things I needed.
He stuffed a towel, a paperback book, and a bottle of sun tan lotion. What?!
It was heartless of me to break his enthusiasm but I have to say this: Well…I’m afraid you will have to wait for another 20 minutes before you get exposed to the sun.
He stood there puzzled and a little disappointed. So, I explained to him.
The SPF sunscreen rating system accounts only for sunburn causing UVB rays, not the UVA rays that are mostly responsible for wrinkles and skin cancer. To guard yourself from those, look for words “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” or “SPF30/PA+++” on the bottle.
I make it a point to have separate sun block for face and for body and must leave it on for 20-30 minutes before exposure to the sun so it has time to absorb fully. While out there, I diligently re-apply every 2 hours.
Yes, I have sunscreen for eye and lip balm with SPF too.
For face: I use SPF50/PA+++ I squeeze a dab of 50 cent coin in one hand, then dot it on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Blending it outwards to hairline, jaws and down the neck. If you don’t have a eye care with sunscreen, just gently pat the remaining face sunscreen around the eyes.
For body: I use SPF 30/PA+++ It is best to apply without wearing swimsuit. I measure approximately 1 shot glass of sunscreen and coat my body generously work from neck down to my feet. Not forgetting, underarms, and the backs of ears, neck and knees. All these parts are exposed when I swim.
Spot-check: I add double layer onto vulnerable areas including the nose, ears, chest, shoulders, tops of feet, and backs of hands and neck. And I apply on the parting of my scalp as well. Then, finish off with lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.
For every 2 hours outside, I dab dry with a towel and reapply.
Tips:
SPF numbers are somewhat misleading
An SPF 30 sunscreen block only 3% more UVB rays than an SPF 15 formula. Don’t assume wearing a sunscreen with high SPF means you don’t need to wear as much or reapply as often.
Oil-Remover at the end of the day
After a long day out, I have reapplied sunscreen … I lost count of times. Anyway, it is only fair to remove all the sunscreen stacked on my whole face and body with an oil-remover. A normal cleanser won’t do the job because the sunscreen is water-resistant, thus it requires oil to dissolve it thoroughly.
Oh, 20 minutes is up. Hurray, let’s race to the beach! =D
Products Reckon:
Oily Skin:
- Face: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen EX SPF 50/PA+++ RM130+-
- Body: Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30
Sensitive Skin:
- Face: Burt’s Bee Chemical Free SPF 30
- Face: Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control SPF 30
Other Related Articles:
Skin Cancer Foundation – Understanding UVA UVB
