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WHAT IS SUNSCREEN?
Despite of the fact that the sunlight is responsible for providing us with vitamin D which is required for the bone formation at the same time it also encounters us by radiations like UVA and UVB which are harmful for skin. Excessive exposure to these rays may result in the skin cancer, this type of cancer can be avoided only if proper sunscreen is used. Sunscreen act as the barrier between the rays and skin, it reflects away the rays causing cancer.
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WHAT IS SPF SUNSCREEN?
Sun Protected Factor abbreviated as SPF is the tendency of the sunscreen to protect skin form UVB rays and other rays that causes sun burn and dark spots. Sunscreens with different SPF are available in the market, the higher the SPF the better the protection is. Sunscreen with SPF 15 provides 93% of protection from the sun it is suitable for the skin type does not instantly burn in the sun. SPF 30 it gives 97% of the protection and SPF 50 gives 98% of the protection and is recommended for highly sensitive skin.
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HOW DO SUNSCREEN WORK?
The major purpose of the sunscreen is to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible tanning, skin aging and wrinkles whereas UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and developing cancer. A sunscreen consists of both inorganic and organic components. Organic components like octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) or oxybenzone absorbs UV radiation and dissipates it as a heat and inorganic component zinc oxide or titanium oxide reflects or scatter UV rays.
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WHY IT IS NECESSARY TO USE SUNSCREEN?
The reasons to use sunscreen are as follows:
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PREVENTS SUN BURN:
Sun burn is caused by over exposure to the sun. It is the sign that the DNA of the skin is damaged by the excessive heat. This sun burn can be responsible for increasing the chances of skin cancer as it is said that having sun burn after every two years can increase the chance of having cancer by three times. So instead of having regrets later it is suggested to shield your skin from sun through sunscreen.
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PREVENTS TANNING:
Some people do not get sun burn which is good but on the other hand they get tan. This tanning on regular basis can result in pre-mature aging, wrinkles, saggy skin and dull complexion. This tanning also leads to discoloration and cancer. Sun screen prevents tanning but does not completely cure it.
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PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER:
Most of the skin cancers are caused by tanning beds and Ultra Violet rays. The long-term or short-term exposure to the sun leads to sun burn and damage of the skin DNA which later have potential to transform into cancer. However, sunscreen does not eliminate the risk of cancer but can only prevent it.
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PREVENTS REDNESS AND IRRITATE PATCHES:
Polymorphous light eruption (PLE), is a common allergic reaction caused by sunlight. PLE is not same as the sunburn it arises to the people whose skin is extremely sensitive to the sunlight. It is in the form of itchy rash. To protect the skin from PLE it necessary to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. To reduce the causes of eruption generously apply the sunscreen on your face, neck, hands and shoulders.
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MAKES SKIN HEALTHY:
The penetration tendency of UVA rays is more than the UVB rays. Since the UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin so they are responsible for destroying a structural component called collagen. As collagen degrades the skin loses its elasticity and smoothness causing wrinkles and fine lines. To limit the penetration of UVA rays it is suggested to put sunscreen on before heading out.
