7 Things You Didn't Know About Sunscreen

Getting some fun in the sun? We hoped so. While you’re at it, let’s take a small quiz about sunscreen: What is sunscreen, really? How much should you be using? How often should you be using it? Is it true that sunscreen is a must even when you’re indoors? Perplexed? We were too, until we sat our R&D guys down and got them to dish out information about this protector-of-skin. Come. Let’s get educated!

1. You need to wear sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone

Yes, you read that right. Sunscreen is one of the most essential ingredients in your skincare recipe, and there’s really no two ways about it! A common misconception is that sunscreen is required for lighter skin tones, since they contain less melanin (the pigment-provider of our skin). The truth, however, is much more inclusive. The sun doesn’t discriminate, and neither should you! While sun damage can look different for different people (from dark spots, to early ageing, to skin damage and the risk of disease), the fact that UV rays harm your skin is as universal a concept as ever.

2. Sunscreen does a lot more than just shield your skin from the sun

If you ever needed a reason to get really into sunscreen, this is it. From maintaining your skin’s youthfulness, to protecting your skin against dullness, dark spots, wrinkles and sagging, sunscreen works in different ways to keep your skin in its best shape.

3. You should wear sunscreen 365 (sometimes 366!) days a year

Let’s keep this simple: UV rays, no matter how strong or weak they are, can be harmful. So whether you’re out and about in the sweltering sun, or looking up at an overcast sky, sunscreen is a must! Oh, we almost forgot: UV rays can penetrate through glass, too! So if you’re WFH, don’t forget to dab some on your skin, my friend!

4. Apply… and then REapply!

We’ve all been told that sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before facing the sun. But did you know that the efficacy of sunscreen must be replenished every few hours? Life hack: start with a good amount of sunscreen for your first application of the day, and top it off with small amounts every few hours for best results!

5. Know your ‘SPF’ to know your sunscreen

SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’. So, a 30 SPF means that the sunscreen will give your skin 30 times more protection against the sun than without the sunscreen. It’s important to know what SPF is to know how much you need! If you’re mostly indoors, an SPF 30 will do the trick, as opposed to a more outdoorsy person who would need an SPF 45.

6. There’s more than one type of sunscreen

No, really! Once you’ve got your SPF in place, you need to pick between physical and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens, also known as Mineral sunscreens, sit on the skin’s surface and literally reflect the UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand absorb the UV rays by converting them into non- skin damaging heat.

7. Sunscreen isn’t enough

While sunscreens are THE way to go to ensure your skin is protected and safe, you shouldn’t forget essential gear like hats, sunglasses, scarves, and other protective gear while out in the sun!