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Swathy

Sunscreen and Myths {Skin Care}

Swathy · April 17, 2012 · 17 Comments

One of the reasons why I am doing many posts on sunscreen again is to raise the awareness that it is an important part of skin care routine. Today, I shall be talking about some of the myths concerning sunscreens. Hope this helps clear some of your doubts.

Myth: Sunblocks are better than Sunscreens
There is no such thing as sunblock and I have mentioned this in one of earlier posts too. Earlier, physical sunscreens (which include Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) were called sunblocks as they scatter or reflect the sun’s rays when they fall int he skin as opposed to being absorbed and converted into heat energy which happens in case of using chemical sunscreens. 
But, now, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), US has passed out certain rules regarding the labelling of sunscreens in which it has banned the use of certain terms “sweat-proof, water-proof, sunblock, dermatologist tested” as they are misleading. I know these rules are not applicable on Indian products but it at least shows that these terms do not really mean anything. 
Even the labels of spf 70, spf 90, spf 100 have been banned. If a sunscreen provides higher protection, it should be labelled as spf 50+. You can see Neutrogena following these labelling standards to get an idea.  
““Waterproof,” “sweatproof” or “sunblock” claims. Manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effectiveness. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication or to provide protection immediately after application (for example– “instant protection”) without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval. (Source)“
Myth: SPF 100 gives me better protection than SPF 50
Spf 15 filters out 93% sun’s rays, spf 30 filters out 96.4% sun’s rays and spf 50 filters out 97.6% (near abouts). And, any spf higher than 50 gives only a marginal increase but there is no sunscreen which can filter out 100% sun’s rays. For Indian climate, spf 30 is enough but if you are over-inclined, spf 50 is good. Anything higher is a false claim.
Myth: Layering of products with sunscreen will give me enough protection
I have talked of this issue earlier that spf’s of various products do not add up!!! They all act as a single layer of sunscreen and provide the protection of the highest spf factor.

Myth: I don’t need a sunscreen when indoors
UVA rays can penetrate through windows and glass. Read this post for more information about them. So, you need at least an spf 15 when staying indoors.

Myth: A drop of my new sunscreen keeps my face protected.
As a rule, you should apply one teaspoon or two fingers length of sunscreen to your face and neck. And, I know that’s a lot. But, if you do not apply the said amount, the efficacy of your sunscreen is reduced according to the amount applied. So, even if you are using a spf 50 sunscreen, improper application might be giving you benefits of only spf 10 or 20. So, apply proper amount of sunscreen to protect yourself well.

These are some of the myths I have come across in my course of blogging, the top most being the confusion between sunscreen and sunblock. I hope this post helps to debunk those myths.

Do layers of sunscreens help? {Skin Care}

Swathy · April 16, 2012 · 23 Comments

The first rule of applying sunscreen – The spf’s of various products don’t add up!!! If you are applying a moisturiser with spf, say x, then a sunscreen / foundation / BB cream with spf, say y, and then finish off with a mineral compact which again provides some spf, say z, factor, you can’t say that the sum total of your sun protection factor is spf x+y+z.
But, something else bothers me in this rule!!! Well, when we have layers of product with spf factors, x, y or z, which spf does apply on the skin – x, y or z? Or, does it work like a filtering mechanism? Meaning, if supposing the top layer has spf of z, those many rays are allowed to pass (remember even 50 spf allows 2% sun rays to pass through, it provides around 98% protection!!). And, then, the next product spf, which is y, again filters out the rays according to its strength and so on!!
Does that happen at all? Well. logically speaking, it does seem quite probable but I don’t know how much of that really applies in practice. Would be great if some sunscreen expert can answer such questions!!! What are your thoughts on it?

Are you keeping track of UV Index? {Sunscreen}

Swathy · April 12, 2012 · 6 Comments

What’s a UV Index? 

It’s the measure of strength of sun’s UV radiation. Its just like a weather forecast and tells you if you need to cover up from the sun or not. This measure has been standardised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) so its a reliable measure.
UV Index Table (Source)
How to check the UV index?
You can always google it for your own city. Another source is weatheronline.co.uk. I found it while doing the googling myself 😀 And, the UV index of Hyderabad for April 12 to April 15 is 12 (Source). Who would think with the weather out there (its cloudy and rainy these days) that the UV index and radiation would be so high??? So, Hyderabadis, apply proper amount of sunscreen and don’t venture outside in the noon unless absolutely necessary!!!

PS: If you find the post useful, please don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Its a health issue which everyone should be aware of.

More posts from sunscreen diaries:
Zinc Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide
Is my sunscreen working?
Surfaces and Radiations
What are UV Radiations?
What Sunscreen should I buy?
Sunscreen Ingredients
Use sunscreen 365 days a year
How much sunscreen do you apply?
Sunscreen: Role in anti-aging Skin Care

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