Is Every Solar Product the Right Product?

What Should We Pay Attention to When Choosing Our Sunscreen?
During these hot summer days when we are experiencing the scorching heat of the sun, one of the most important things we should never be without is sunscreen.

However, although sunscreen is extremely necessary, a poorly chosen product can do more harm than good. A randomly chosen sunscreen can age our skin, provide insufficient protection, and even lead to allergies. So, what should you pay attention to when choosing sunscreen? Here are the things to consider when choosing sunscreen.

SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, indicates the effectiveness of a product against UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause painful sunburns, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging.

A sunscreen with SPF 30 provides about 93% protection against harmful UVB rays, while SPF 50 offers about 97% protection. If you have very fair skin, it’s essential to choose products with SPF 50 or higher.

Broad spectrum preservatives
SPF only indicates a product’s effectiveness against UVB rays. However, the American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes the need for a broader-spectrum sunscreen. Because UVA rays, another harmful type of radiation, contribute to skin aging. For optimal protection, make sure the sunscreen label specifies both UVB and UVA protection factors.

Water Resistance
All sunscreens can be washed off, may be removed due to sweat, and can also be rubbed off through friction. Therefore, “waterproof” sunscreens are not possible. A sunscreen can only be “water-resistant.” This means that these products can maintain their effectiveness even if your skin gets wet. Therefore, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. Additionally, to enhance its effectiveness, you should wait for the sunscreen to be fully absorbed.

No Stain
A good sunscreen should not leave stains on the skin or clothes and should not discolor them.

Additionally, the sunscreen you choose should be well-tolerated and free from allergens and irritants. Ayrıca toplum sağlığı için çalışan ulusal ve uluslar arası sağlık örgütleri tarafından yasaklanmış etken maddeler içermemelidir.