Sensible skin protection

We have all heard about sunscreen, but not everyone knows what the numbers signify.

By OMER RAVEH
Skin protection (photo credit: Courtesy)
Skin protection
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Summer is around the corner. The cloudy skies have become clear, and the rain has been replaced by the warm sun, which is still fairly pleasant. It is, however, important to take protective measures, even if summer is not yet at its peak.
Even if you’re not going to the beach or swimming pool, it’s hard to evade the sun when waiting for the bus, walking on the street or driving a car. It’s vital to remember that being exposed to the sun is harmful anywhere and at all times of the day; therefore, it is recommended to include products that contain sunscreen in one’s daily routine.
Orly Oz Shmuel, chief director at Clarins Israel, explains that the role of sunscreen is to protect skin against the sun’s rays and especially to prevent sunburn during exposure to the sun (SPF protects skin from UVB rays). Another primary function is to protect skin from UVA rays, which penetrate the depths of the skin and advance its aging.
We have all heard about sunscreen, but not everyone knows what the numbers signify.
The formula for calculating sunscreen protection time is as follows: 20 minutes times the sunscreen level. For instance, SPF 25 sunscreen will give you protection against the sun for around 500 minutes, or approximately eight hours and 20 minutes.
Orly Robinson, manager of the Avene brand at Mediline, stresses the importance of sunscreen expiration dates. She says that the expiration date on sunscreen ranges from one to two years. Old sunscreen can actually damage the skin and will not provide effective protection against the sun.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that the sunscreen you purchase is marked with an expiration date.
It should be noted that sunscreen preparations are meant to be used for one year from the day the product is opened, even if the package reads two years.
Here are a few important things to remember about effective sun protection: 1. Apply sunscreen products to especially sensitive areas: lips, nose, forehead, cheeks, shoulders and chest. These spots are often neglected.
2. Sun protection should be reapplied frequently, including when perspiring or after being in the water, even if the product is marked “waterproof.”
3. It is recommended to use sunscreen when you are in the shade as well.
4. It is best to expose the skin to sunshine gradually. Limit time spent in the sun to early mornings until 10 a.m. and afternoons starting from 4 p.m.