Make SPF your BFF this Summer: Sunscreen in 2024

As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, it’s time to talk about a critical aspect of skincare that deserves our full attention: sunscreen. Gone are the debates over its importance—today, we recognize sunscreen as an indispensable ally in our daily skincare routine. With advancements in dermatology and skincare science, we’re here to demystify sunscreen for 2024, focusing on its functionality, necessity, and the smart ways to choose and use it. Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide to making SPF your trusted companion this summer.

How Sunscreen Works?

Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier between your skin and the sun's rays, combining organic and inorganic chemicals to absorb and scatter harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

By doing so, it prevents a myriad of skin issues, from sunburn and pigmentation to more severe conditions like skin cancer. Think of sunscreen as a shield, safeguarding your skin’s health and preserving its youthful glow.

How Sunscreen is Important

Why make sunscreen your non-negotiable skincare step? The reasons are compelling. Beyond preventing immediate discomforts like sunburn, sunscreen plays a long-term role in protecting against skin cancer, reducing signs of ageing caused by UV exposure, and maintaining an even skin tone. It’s your frontline defence against environmental aggressors that contribute to premature ageing.

UV Rays: A Daily Challenge

To choose the right sunscreen, it’s essential to understand the UV rays you’re protecting against:

• UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to ageing and DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer.
• UVB rays primarily affect the surface of the skin, causing sunburn and playing a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

Knowledge of these rays informs your choice of sunscreen, ensuring comprehensive protection.

A Luxurious Addition to Your Sun Care Routine

Adding the True Nourish Kumkumadi Radiance Sun Protect Moisturizing Serum into your regimen adds a touch of luxury while providing robust SPF50, PA+++ broad-spectrum protection. This serum combines the ancient wisdom of Kumkumadi Thailam with the hydrating properties of Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil, ensuring your skin remains protected, hydrated, and radiant.

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Decoding Sunscreen Labels

Navigating sunscreen labels can be overwhelming, but a few key terms can guide your selection:

• PA Rating: Indicates the level of protection from UVA rays, with more plus signs (+) denoting stronger protection.
• Broad-Spectrum: A term that assures protection from both UVA and UVB rays, essential for complete skin defence.
• SPF: Reflects the level of protection against UVB rays, helping you understand how long the sunscreen can protect your skin based on its SPF rating.

Application Tips: Quantity and Frequency

Achieving optimal protection involves more than just selecting the right sunscreen; how you apply it matters greatly:

1. Use the two-finger rule for adequate coverage on your face and neck, adjusting the amount based on body coverage needs.
2. Reapplication is key, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy.

Common Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid

To maximise your sunscreen’s effectiveness, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Never use expired sunscreen, as it loses its protective efficacy.
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to form a protective layer on your skin.
• Don’t forget to reapply every two hours or as needed, ensuring continuous protection.

Final Words

As we step into the sunny days of 2024, let’s not take sunscreen as an optional skincare step, but as an essential partner in our daily lives. Protecting against the sun’s harmful rays is not just about preventing sunburn; it’s a proactive measure for preserving our skin’s health, beauty, and youthfulness for years to come. This summer, make SPF your BFF and enjoy the sunshine with confidence and care.

Reference

[1] Sarruf  FD, Sauce R, Candido TM, Oliveira CA, Rosado C, Velasco MVR, Baby AR. Butyrospermum parkii butter increased the photostability and in vivo SPF of a molded sunscreen system. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Dec;19(12):3296-3301. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13429. Epub 2020 May 8. PMID: 32385930.  Butyrospermum parkii butter increased the photostability and in vivo SPF of a molded sunscreen system - PubMed (nih.gov)

[2] Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070. PMID: 29280987; PMCID: PMC5796020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/#:~:text=Jojoba%20(Simmondsia,%2C132%5D. 

[3] Latha MS, Martis J, Shobha V, Sham Shinde R, Bangera S, Krishnankutty B, Bellary S, Varughese S, Rao P, Naveen Kumar BR. Sunscreening agents: a review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013 Jan;6(1):16-26. PMID: 23320122; PMCID: PMC3543289.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543289/#:~:text=PFA%20%3D%20MPPD%20of,are%20combination%20products.