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The sun emits light rays in the wavelengths 270 – 400 nm. Shorter wavelengths (ultraviolet light C) are filtered out by the ozone layer. Ultraviolet light A (UVA) and ultraviolet light B penetrate the skin.

Classically, UVB rays are considered burning rays and UVA rays are considered aging rays, but they both contribute to all 5 mechanisms of adverse UV effects to varying degrees. UVA is divided into UVA1 and UVA2 rays, with UVA2 rays acting similar to UVB.

Short-term effects of sun exposure include burning, skin pigmentation, delayed tanning, epidermal hyperplasia, free radical formation, vitamin D synthesis, and photosensitization. Short-term effects are mostly secondary to UVB and UVA2 rays.

what does sunscreen do?

Apply Sunscreen in Enough Quantity

Enough quantity- in my practice I always advise patients to apply at least a 50 paisa coin amount for your face, 30 minutes prior to stepping out any sunscreen takes 20 to 30 minutes to start acting reapplication is the key we need to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours for adequate protection if one is more keen to swim or involved in beach activities ‘ look for water-resistant sunscreens which are effective anywhere between 20 – 40 minutes for the hands- one tablespoon each is the minimum quantity advice.

There are 2 types of sunscreen:

physical block- titanium oxide and zinc oxide- these sunscreens might give you a white tint while applying them but are the safest for children please use only physical blocks for children another type is chemical sunscreen – which are more commonly available, most suitable for everyone, cosmetic adherence is higher for this sunscreen

so I need to apply sunscreens in the rainy season or indoors this is the most common question I face in my practice, the answer is YES, one needs to use sunscreen every day

Choose the Right Formula

A lot of acne prone patients feel if they apply sunscreen, they have an acne breakout which was true earlier, but with newer combinations, acne patients should choose gel based sunscreen or spay form sunscreens, look for non-comedogenic on the label – for acne patients

Somebody who suffers from dry skin- can opt for moisturizing sunscreens:

A woman who wears makeup or foundation on a daily basis, or use make up to cover up their pigmentation, can use tinted sunscreens – which have a slight foundation mix inbuilt into your otherwise normal sunscreen

Protective Clothing: In addition to sunscreen, doctors suggest that people wear protective clothing when possible.

Is sunscreen really necessary for lips?

Absolutely. In the past, it wasn’t unusual for lip products to come with little or no SPF. Thankfully, many companies have upped the level of protection in lip balms.

I hope I have answered all your question and doubts in regards to sunscreens and its usage for any further question kindly contact

Dr. Sneh Thadani

( Skin Soul Clinic, Vashi Navi Mumbai. )

www.skinsoul.in