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Living in Indonesia, which has a tropical climate, makes us have to be more active in protecting our skin from sun exposure with sunscreen. Otherwise, the skin will burn easily, and it will age faster. However, the wrong way to use sunscreen will not even effectively protect the skin. Read on for this article to find out how to use the right sunscreen.
How to use the right sunscreen
Sunscreen is a sunscreen that is lighter and thinner, and doesn't leave a whitish mark (whitecast) like a sunblock. Sunscreen cream works like a sponge that will penetrate the top layer of the skin to absorb the sunlight that has continued to enter the skin.
Unlike sunblocks that work immediately after application, sunscreen takes about 20 minutes to fully absorb into the skin before working to protect the skin. Sunscreen should also be reapplied frequently.
So when you buy and use a sunscreen, pay attention to the SPF content listed on the packaging. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can block 97% of UVB rays that cause skin burns and burns.
It would be even better if your sunscreen also provides protection from UVA rays which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Pay attention to the packaging listed. Protection against UVA is indicated by PA +, PA ++, PA +++.
Then how do you use the right sunscreen? Here are the steps.
- Use sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the room. Because the skin takes time to absorb sunscreen. So if you've just used sunscreen a few moments before going out of the house or when you're out in the sun, your skin won't get any protection and risk getting sunburned.
- Shake well before you press the sunscreen out. This is useful for mixing all the particles evenly in the container.
- Pour in sunscreen according to your skin needs. Don't be too little. Usually adults use about one ounce of sunscreen (about 1 cup of medicated syrup) to rub all over the body.
- Apply evenly to all parts of the body which will be exposed to the sun. This includes frequently overlooked areas such as your back, ears, and behind your knees and feet.
- Apply sunscreen several times in a day. Even though you have used it from home, but you need to re-apply it. Because there is no sunscreen that 100% protects the skin from the sun even if you use a high SPF. Sunscreen will run or disappear when you sweat and if you come in contact with water. Therefore, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Use sunscreen every time you go out of the house, no matter the weather outside. Although UVB rays weaken during the rainy season, UVA rays become stronger. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer and sun damage. Therefore, you still have to use sunscreen even in the rainy season or when it is cloudy. Wearing sunscreen also keeps the skin moist.
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