Here’s how to know if you are using enough sunscreen

It’s important to protect your skin when you are outside, whatever the weather, but dermatologists now advise you should wear sunscreen indoors too. This is because UVA rays can still cause damage, photoaging and age spots through your windows. By using the right sunscreen, you’re giving your skin enough protection against free radicals, and prevent other skin damages that could result from prolonged Sun exposure.

When do I need to use sunscreen?

Lots of people only use sunscreen when they are on holiday or going somewhere they know will be sunny. Only 10% of US adults use sunscreen daily, and almost half never use it – this is an alarming number!

Sunscreen should be a daily and essential part of your skincare routine. Without the proper protection, too much Sun exposure can cause all sorts of unnoticeable damage to our skin – even when we’re indoors.

Sun-damaged skin facts

• Over 80% of skin cancers are caused by excessive UV radiation exposure, either from the sun, and other sources such as sunbeds and tanning lamps.
• UVA rays damage your skin cells which, over time, causes them to mutate into tumours. Research shows that women who experienced at least five blistering sunburns when they were between 15 and 20 years old are 80% more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer later in life.

Although this can seem like a very scary concept, there is a way you can prevent skin cancer, sunburn, premature ageing and more – by slathering on the sunscreen! Daily sunscreen use has amazing benefits (some that you might not even know about), so if you are not using sunscreen enough already, there really is no excuse.

1. Prevents sun-damaged skin. Too much sun can ruin your complexion by causing age spots, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone. This is due to an overproduction of melanin by your skin in an attempt to protect itself from UV light.
2. Protects against signs of ageing. There is a direct correlation between sun exposure and premature ageing. This is because UVA rays deeply penetrate the layers of the skin, reducing the skin’s elasticity leading to wrinkles and sagging.
3. Soothes and moisturises the skin. In today’s age of high-tech skincare, sunscreens are more advanced than ever. Many include skin-boosting ingredients, colour tint and more so you can still get a glowing complexion whilst protecting your skin.

Sunscreen should be applied daily, even if you are not going out. Unless you are in a room with no windows you should be applying sunscreen. It is recommended to apply it 30 minutes before you leave the house, this is because the chemicals in your sunscreen don’t start working straight away.

Everything you need to know about using enough sunscreen

Am I using enough sunscreen?

Most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. The average-sized adult requires around two teaspoons of sunscreen for the face and two tablespoons (or one shot glass) for the whole body.

The most common areas people forget to apply to are:

• Feet
• Ears
• Neck
• Lips
• Top of your head if you suffer from hair loss

How often to reapply your sunscreen?

You should reapply your sunscreen every two hours as it can get rubbed, washed or sweated off. It also loses effectiveness the longer you wear it.

What type of sunscreen is good for my skin?

There are many different types of sunscreens, and it can be overwhelming to work out which type you need. Ideally, you should look for one that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB as this will work to prevent skin cancer, early skin ageing, and sunburn.

SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, it is recommended to choose an SPF of 30 or more to stop your skin from burning.

There are so many different types of sunscreens from creams to sprays, sticks and gels. They cover a broad spectrum of skin types so whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

The use of sunscreen in the long run

Using enough sunscreen consistently and from an early age will ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. But don’t just stop at sunscreen, if you are still trying to get radiant skin it’s time to review your skincare routine. You can also supplement your skincare with facial sheet masks and skin boosters to enhance your complexion.

Finally, when it comes to maintaining healthy, radiant skin, always a good idea to seek professional help from a dermatologist or skincare expert. Take a look at our recommended list for the best aesthetic clinics in Singapore.