Fortunately, the population is increasingly aware of the importance of photoprotection, to prevent diseases such as skin cancer. However, sometimes we forget how to use sunscreen properly.
It may seem like a platitude, but the truth is that sometimes we forget important parts of the body or we do not use the amount of adequate sunscreen. In fact, the latter is perhaps the key. If we regularly go to the beach and at the end of the summer we still have the cream we bought at the beginning, it is because we do not know how to use sunscreen correctly, since we have used much less than we needed.
For this reason, in this article we are going to see some of the things that we usually do wrong when it comes to protecting ourselves for avoid skin cancer. He doesn’t mean that everyone does it wrong. If you do it correctly, congratulations. But the time has also come to sing the mea culpa and acknowledge if we had forgotten any of these points. It is never too late to add them to our routine. Surely our skin will appreciate it very much.
Believing that sunscreen is only for summer and the beach
have to use sunscreen throughout the year and not only if we go to places that we associate with the sun, such as the beach.
It is true that on the beach in summer we burn more, because we are more time exposed to the sun. However, we are exposed to ultraviolet radiation solar panels throughout the year and that makes it necessary for us to always use protection.
It is recommended, at least on the face, to use sunscreen every day, whenever we go out, even if the day is cloudy. Thus, we will not only help prevent skin cancer. We will also reduce the probability of having spots and wrinkles.
As for the body, it is also good that we use sunscreen all year round, if we are going to be exposed to the sun. Of course, here it is important that we resort to common sense. We know that solar radiation is necessary for us to adequately synthesize the vitamin D. For this reason, if we always use a protector, which, after all, what it does is block those radiations, we may cause a deficiency of this vitamin. To avoid this, it is good that the sun shines on us during 10-15 minutesespecially in the arms and legs.
The radiation that reaches us on a daily basis is enough. Even something as simple as going up to the roof to hang clothes or going out to buy bread can be enough. Now, if we are going to be with very exposed skin for a long time, it is important to use sunscreen all over the body, whatever time of year it is.
Use just a little cream for the whole body and face
As children, when our mothers would smear sunscreen on us until they made us look like little snowmen, we thought they were overreacting. But, really, they are the only ones who have used sunscreen correctly throughout history.
Leaving this exaggeration aside, it is true that they did it well. If we put on the right amount of sunscreen with physical filters, which are the ones that leave white residue, we must see ourselves as our mothers left us when we were little: totally covered. After all, we must not forget that what this sunscreen does is create a barrier that prevents ultraviolet radiation from penetrating our cells.
This barrier must be thick enough, so according to the recommendations of experts, it should be used at least 2 mg/sq cm of skin. Now, how much is this? Since we are not going to the beach with a scale, there are some tricks to calculate the right amount of sun protection. For example, The finger trick is becoming very popular.
This consists of covering two fingers, with a strip of cream along each one, for the face. The same amount for each of the arms and legs and, in addition, four fingers for the torso and another four for the back.
Another trick is to completely cover the entire hand for the entire body. If we use sunscreen with chemical filters, which contain substances that absorb radiation, without creating a barrier, we will not turn white. But, if they are physical, this amount is clearly equivalent to what our mothers gave us when we were little.
Leaving parts of the body uncovered with sunscreen
When using sunscreen, it is quite common to leave some parts of the body uncovered. But burns and skin cancer can appear on Any part of the body that has skin.
Some very common examples of these body parts are ears, fingers and toes, neck, or hairline. For the latter, in addition to spreading with sunscreen, it is advisable to use hats and caps.
In addition, it is important to put on cream under the swimsuit if we are going to be sunbathing. It may seem that it is not necessary, since when we get tanned, the mark remains. It is true that the fabric acts as a barrier to a certain extent, but it does not prevent all radiation from affecting the skin. In addition, the swimsuit can move, leaving completely uncovered an area where we had not put any sunscreen. To prevent all this from happening, it is best to also put cream underneath.
Not adequately protecting tattoos
Tattoos are part of the skin and therefore must be protected. It is not necessary to carry out a special routine. Don’t even buy a specific sunscreen, even though they do exist.
But you have to cover them carefullysince pigments can absorb a greater amount of radiation, so that it is easier for them to be produced Burns and, eventually, skin cancer. This is applicable to any tattoo, but especially to those that use reddish or orange pigments. Therefore, it is essential to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and, if possible, 50.
Not reapplying sunscreen
Today there are creams that resist water, sweat and even sand very well. That may make us think that it is no longer necessary to reapply sunscreen as has always been said, but it is still essential. As time goes by, loses its effectiveness so we can burn.
To avoid it, you should put more cream every two hours. This is concerning the body, but also the face. Therefore, for people who put makeup on top of facial sunscreen, there are alternatives such as sunscreens in mist or stickwhich can be layered without dragging your makeup down.
Saving sunscreen from one year to the next
This is applicable to sunscreen, but also to any other cosmetic. All must have their useful life indicated once the container is opened. In the European Union, for example, this is indicated by a symbol of an open jar, together with the number of months that it lasts maintaining its properties. In the case of sunscreen, practically always that duration is twelve months.
For this reason, if it lasts from one year to the next, we should not keep it, since it will cease to be effective and we can burn even if we put it on. In addition, it should not last from one year to the next, since we have already seen that it should be used all year round.
By following all these tips, we will be much more protected, with younger skin and buying fewer tickets for skin cancer. They are all advantages.