Expert explains steps for the correct use of sunscreen

The heat is finally coming, bringing the expected summer weather. And a product that cannot be missing from our skin care routine is sunscreen. The product, which works as a protective layer to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin, helps prevent sunspots, burns, premature aging, skin cancer and melanoma.

According to the doctor, who works in the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Mariana Velosoeven with all its benefits, and the widespread consumption of the product in recent years, most people do not use protection properly and continuously, partially vulnerable to the harmful effects of sunlight.

Mariana explained that in recent years, people have become aware of the dangers that not applying sunscreen can bring to the skin, however, most of them still suffer from sunburn and some skin conditions due to incorrect application of the product.

“Among the main mistakes are: using a smaller amount than indicated, not reapplying sunscreen with a factor greater than 30 periodically, forgetting to apply to certain areas of the body exposed to the sun and choosing a product with an SPF lower than recommended “, guided.

Application of sunscreen

For these reasons, the expert reinforces that despite being a simple process, we need to pay attention to some points, such as the amount of product applied.

“Most people don’t know, but there is a right amount for each part of the body. It is recommended to use a teaspoon for the neck, head and shoulders as a reference; a spoon for each arm; two spoons for the torso; and two spoons for each leg. The correct form of application is to place the product along the index and middle fingers and apply a uniform layer in the desired region”, recommended Dr. Mariana.

Sunscreen x skin type

It is also extremely important to choose the sunscreen according to your skin type (dry, normal, mixed or oily), apply the product every two hours and pay attention to the phototype, for better adaptation and effect of the product on the skin. Mariana Veloso, explains that there are two types of foundation for the product, chemical and physical that act in a completely different way when it comes to protecting the skin.

“Chemical sunscreens prevent the penetration of sunlight into the skin, through a protective layer that absorbs UVA and UVB rays. The physical ones, on the other hand, are based on non-absorbent minerals that, when in contact with the filter, prevent photoaging and are ideal for people who have any type of allergy or are pregnant.”, said the expert.

In addition, it is worth noting that using the same body sunscreen on your face is not the most appropriate. The most recommended thing is to always use a protector on your face that is indicated for your skin type and one specific for your body, since the skin in the face region is more sensitive.

“For the body, the most suitable products are creamy lotions, as they spread better across the body parts. In addition, these protectors are more greasy, as they must be resistant to water, since they are often used in swimming pools, beaches and during outdoor activities”, declared.

Sunscreen and makeup

Another important point is the use of sunscreen with makeup, many people still have doubts about how to apply the product, should we apply it before or after makeup? And the answer is simple, we must always remember that makeup should come after skincare, so moisturizer and sunscreen should always come first. But the essential thing is to pass the product.

Colored sunscreens or foundations with sun protection are also some options, as they can increase adherence to the product for people who often wear makeup. Since in addition to having protection, the person feels more beautiful and comfortable because they achieve uniformity in the skin.

“Colored sunscreen has the power to create a mechanical barrier on the skin, thus redoubling protection against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, it is worth remembering that for those who suffer from melasma, the color filter also provides a physical barrier against blue light” , explained the specialist.

Sunscreen and lips

Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can also cause major risks in the region, such as lip skin cancer, cracks and wounds. The product must be reapplied several times during the day – the recommendation is every 2 hours – since the movement of the lips by speaking, ingestion of liquids and food contributes to a shorter stay of the product in the area.

“The lips are at the forefront of sun exposure and deserve as much attention as the rest of the face, so to protect this region it is recommended to use stick-shaped products with an SPF of 15 to 30 based on Vaseline, as they tend to adhere easily to the semimucosa of the lip, making it difficult to remove them with water or saliva”, the doctor pointed out.