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anti-aging skin care

Is my sunscreen working? {Reader’s Query}

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Well, this question was asked by Monali – how should I know if my sunscreen is working? Answer is that you might never know so put your faith in good products. I will also try to put some guidelines which might help.
Also Remember
  • Sunscreen doesn’t prevent tanning, though Zinc Oxide based sunscreens do tend to prevent tanning as much as I have surmised.
  • Sunscreen doesn’t protect you from sun completely. It just tries to block some of the radiations (at max 98-99%) so keeping away from sun is the best solution. Try to use protective clothing while in sun and don’t forget to reapply.
  • Take Care of your skin well afterward. Always double cleanse to remove sunscreen and use ice cubes to soothe the skin everyday. It acts in two ways –  helps to remove tanning and also calms down the skin after a day in sun.
  • Applying sunscreen doesn’t mean your skin is not getting Vitamin D. It is a huge misconception. 

I think I have addressed all points but if you think something is left out, please do let me know. 

Surfaces and Radiations {Sunscreen}

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Yesterday, I talked about what UV radiations actually are and I mentioned in a small point that the intensity of UVB varies from place to place.So, how do the places and altitudes affect the UV radiations.

UV levels increase about 4% for every 1,000 foot gain in altitude as a rule of thumb.

The reason is because of the thinner atmosphere as you go up and not because sun is closer to you because 1000 feet doesn’t really count when the distance is in light years, right?? So, consequently, you should use stronger sunblocks or sunscreens and reapply often to save the skin from damage. So, you live on hills or going there for a vacation, a sunscreen wouldn’t make your backpack too heavy!!!
Also, we were discussing about various surfaces. So, as a matter of fact, snow and ice are the biggest reflectors of sunlight!!! Snow or Ice can reflect up to 80% of the UV radiations. And, I remember I went at 12000 ft altitude without any sunblock and was having snow all around me 🙁 Well, that’s not recommended at all!!! Other surfaces like water also reflects sunlight so you should be covered up with sunscreens before you go to the beach.

Carrot and Bottle Guard Mask {Reader’s Tip}

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This is one tip which was posted as a comment on an earlier post yesterday. I thought it was a really good one so sharing it all with you. This is what the reader shares:

I tried having carrot and bottle gourd juice every morning (empty stomach). Also i apply crushed carrot and bottle gourd on my face after cleansing for 30 mins everyday. My pores have visibly reduced in size from day 1 and my skin tone is improving as well.