How To Use Sunscreen/Sunblock Effectively

Using the right sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect skin from sun damage such as sunburn and premature aging. While sunscreens with a high level of sun protection factor (SPF) offers protection from the sun’s burning ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, most women are unaware that there is a need to protect the skin from aging ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays as well. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, damaging it from within, thereby causing fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

Among the things that were taught to Manila Beauty Bloggers during that Anvaya Cove getaway for that Healthy Summer Skin seminar by Neutrogena was how to use sunscreen/sunblock effectively to protect our skin from the sun all year round.  We were all surprised to know that when the label says “generous amount”  or “apply liberally” they do mean it.

Dr. Loverne Suratos, Chairman, Public Relations and External Affairs Committee, Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) told us about the “teaspoon rule”.  The teaspoon rule means you to effectively maximize the effectiveness of your sunblock or sunscreen you have to apply half a teaspoon on each arms and a teaspoon on each feet and legs.

In applying sunscreen/sunblock on the face you just need enough amount to cover entire face except the eye area because it can be stingy. Massage the sunscreen on the face and don’t just apply and leave so that it is absorbed well by the skin.

Other facts about sunscreen/sunblock I learned from the seminar:

• The best SPF level we can use is SPF30
• We should allow at least 40 minutes for the sunblock/sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin before going out in the sun to swim or sun bathe.
• For a day at the beach or maximum exposure to the sun activity you have to reapply sunblock/sunscreen every 2 hours.
• For a regular day sun protection apply sunscreen at least twice a day (morning before going to work, and before going out for lunch or snack break or anytime you will expose yourself from the sun).
• Its best to use a sunscreen/sunblock that is waterproof if you are going to spend a day at the beach.
• Dr. Suratos also discussed that while there is increasing awareness for the need to use sun screens, many consumers are still not aware of the need to protect themselves from both UVA and UVB rays.
• The Protection Factor UVA (PFA) will indicate the degree of UVA protection. The higher the protection grade of UVA (PA), the more protection from UVA rays you will get.
• Those who live in cold and snowy weather should use sunscreen/sunblock as they are more prone to sun damage. The coldness of the weather does not minimize the harmful rays of the sun.

The chronic skin damage unprotected sun expose:
Wrinkes

Pre-mature skin aging

Skin cancer like melanoma, squamos cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

One of the products that is recognized by the PDS is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer product line such as the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++ and the Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++ .  Both contain Neutrogena’s patented Helioplex technology, a breakthrough sun protection technology that delivers broad-spectrum and photo-stable UV protection that not only blocks UVB burning rays, but also helps stop aging- and cancer-causing UVA rays from penetrating the layers of the skin.

“Other sunblocks also contain UVA protection, but they eventually break down after constant sun exposure. The patented Helioplex technology found only in Neutrogena provides long-lasting UVA protection that won’t break down easily,” explained Gabriel Roxas, Neutrogena brand manager.

In addition to its Helioplex technology, the Ultra Sheer product line also boasts of Neutrogena’s revolutionary Dry Touch technology, which gives the products an ultra-light clean feel and does not leave a sticky or greasy feeling when applied to the skin.

Perfect for use especially when outdoors, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++ has a high SPF of 50+ and gives a lasting, powerful protection across 100% of the UV spectrum.  It is also easily absorbed by the skin and does not leave a film or residue when applied. With its oil-absorbing silica content, it is waterproof and sweatproof, keeping skin protected even while enjoying summer outdoor activities.

Made for everyday use, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++ is ultra-lightweight and provides superior protection against UV rays. Its fluid texture makes it easy to spread onto the face and leaves skin with a non-shiny and velvety finish, making it convenient to use even under make-up. It also has a combination of anti-oxidants, such as Vitamins C and E, which helps protect skin against free radicals and oxidation that are induced by exposure to the environment.
“With Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer line, women can have maximum fun under the summer sun, without having to worry about sunburn or premature skin aging. Our Helioplex and Dry Touch Technologies provide women with superior sun protection, without the sticky or greasy feeling that usually comes when applying sunblocks,” reiterated Roxas. “Neutrogena remains fully committed to constantly provide Filipinas with effective, technologically advanced products to help them possess healthy, beautiful skin.”

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++ and Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++ are available in leading department stores and supermarkets nationwide, with a suggested retail price of Php 509.25 and Php 460.00, respectively.

P.S. I’ll post an intensive review on the above products soon.