The skin: an essential protective organ
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and plays an essential role in protecting our viscera against the harmful effects of the external environment. That is why we must take care of it properly.
Sunscreen: an effective tool
One of the most effective ways to take care of our skin is by using sun creams. These creams block UVA and UVB rays, which are harmful to our skin. Without protection, these rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause uncomfortable sunburn.
In addition to protecting us from sunburn, the use of sunscreens has other benefits. They delay skin aging, prevent the appearance of spots, prolong the tan, hydrate the skin and act as a protective barrier.
It is important to use sunscreens correctly to obtain all their benefits. Next, we will explain what the numbers on sunscreen containers mean and how much cream you should apply.
The numbers on sunscreen packaging
When we buy a sunscreen, it is important to look at the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) which indicates the protection time that the cream offers. The numbers on the packaging, such as 15, 30, 50 or 50+, indicate how long we can be exposed to the sun without getting sunburned.
According to the American Cancer Society, the more minutes of protection, the greater the amount of UVB rays filtered. For example, a cream with SPF 15 filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while a cream with 100 minutes of protection filters out about 99%.
It is important to keep in mind that no sunscreen completely protects against the sun’s rays. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to indicate on packaging that creams with an SPF less than 15 only protect against burns, not against skin aging or cancer.
The right amount of sunscreen
Applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen is essential to obtain effective protection. Dermatologists recommend applying 2 millimeters of cream for every 2 centimeters of skin. In addition, it is important to apply the cream 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun so that the filters are properly absorbed by the deeper layers of the skin.
When applying the cream, pay special attention to areas most susceptible to burns, such as the head, neck, chest area, upper and lower back, arms, stomach, and the front and back of the hands. legs.
Conclusions
Sun protection is essential to take care of our skin and prevent the harmful effects of the sun. Using sunscreens with an appropriate SPF and applying the necessary amount will help us keep our skin healthy and protected. Remember that the skin is an essential protective organ and we must take proper care of it.
