Protect Your Skin

WITH the rising mercury crossing the 40 degree mark, are you getting anxious about your skin getting heavily tanned as you step out into the scorching sun?

Well, if such is the case, experience suggests that you wait a while before getting lured by attractive ad campaigns into experimenting with any of the numerous suncreen lotions available off the shelves. To begin with, think about whether you really require sun protection. Experts suggest that every person needn8217;t dab in the chemical formulations as the average Indian skin is inherently equipped with a natural protection.

However, if you decide to go for it, don8217;t forget to check the list of ingredients. Doctors say the use of sunscreen depends on the UVI Ultra Violet Index measured on a 0 to 10 scale helps determine appropriate sun protection behaviour of the people.

What is meant by UV index and SPF?
SPF Skin Protection Factor is a formula which determines the duration for which you can stand in the sun without producing redness in the skin. The UV index determines the SPF level in the sunscreen creams. Ozone depletion and the rate of ultra violent rays reaching the earth is measured by the UV index. 0 to 2 implies minimum danger from sun8217;s rays. 3 to 4 means less harm but a person with fair skin might burn his skin in less than 20 minutes. 5 to 6 means moderate harm, 7 to 9 suggests a high risk of harm and 10 is maximum risk. A fair skinned person might damage his skin in less than 5 minutes.

What should be the level of SPF in my sunscreen?
The SPF parameter depends upon how much you expose your skin to sun and the duration of exposure. Dermatologists suggest you need a sunscreen product with SPF not more than 15. However, if your skin is already tanned the SPF should not be more than 25.

Do I really need sunscreen protection?
You don8217;t need to use a sunscreen each time you go for a stroll. However, long and continous exposure can cause some harm. So if your job keeps you constantly on toes, it is advisable to use a protective lotion. 8216;8216;Long exposure to the unprotected sun rays can damage the collagen and reduce elasticity of the skin causing wrinkles. The hair follicles may also be blocked which will cause the formation of cysts and large and hard blackheads all over the face. So you should use sunscreen if the duration of exposure is long,8217;8217; says Dr R K Joshi, Senior Consultant of Dermatology at Indraprastha Apollo.

Can the sunscreen harm my skin?
Some people tend to block the pores by applying the sunscreen.8216;8216;It can cause irritation and some ingredients can lead to allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis. Blocking out the sun in babies might lead to deficiency of Vitamin D,8217;8217; says Dr Joshi.

Tips for selecting a sunscreen.

• Check if the product has been properly checked and deemed a safe sunscreen
• Check if UVA and UVB and protection factor 15 has been mentioned.
• Prefer alcohol based sunscreen as they are less likely to cause acne.
• Check the ingredients, select a reputed brand.

8216;8216;The sunscreen should be checked for its composition to find out if you are allergic to any of the substances. Besides, the product should not have Para Amino Benxoic Acid 8212; it should be PABA free,8217;8217; says Dr R K Pandhi, Head of Department at AIIMS and consultant at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital.

How do I use it?Sunscreen is ineffective after some time and you need to reapply after every three hours.8216;8216;The sunscreen won8217;t help if you just dab a for a few minutes before stepping out in sun. It needs to be applied at least half an hour before,8217;8217; says Dr Pandhi.

What else can I do to protect myself?

• If possible, reduce being exposed to the sun between 11 am to 4pm.
• Schedule sporting events for early evening.
• Look for a shade or create your own by using umbrella.
• Choose outdoor cafes with umbrellas or covered porches.
• Use cotton-wear to cover most of your body.