Sunlight can cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The outcome of the sun on age spots and skin can become worse if one has too much exposure to it. The absorption of excessive ultraviolet rays is a risk. Vitamin D production is induced by ultraviolet rays. But excessive concentration of ultraviolet rays may lead to the burning of skin or fast aging of the skin.
Applying sunscreen on skin may help prevent age spots and hyperpigmentation from getting worse. Sunscreens work by reflecting or absorbing the extra UV rays that the body doesn’t require. Sunscreens specifically impede two kinds of UV rays, the UVA and UVB. UVA is responsible for cell mutation, thus melanoma, while UVB damages the skin resulting to sunburn. Regarding its downsides, some sunscreens do not have a balanced UVA and UVB blockage resulting to more damage. When choosing the right sunscreen for you, what things should you consider?
The first thing to do is to know what your skin type is. There are 6 skin types according to Fitzpatrick (1975).
After that, list down all the things you’ll be doing that will involve the use of sunscreen. You can already select what sunscreen will be suited for you. But before buying check on its SPF or sun protection factor. The higher the SPF, the better the protection it gives to the user. The average SPF measurement is up to 50. Check the label for these ingredients to make sure that the sunscreen will provide effective protection for you: avobenzone, ecamsule or zinc oxide.
Sunscreens come in a variety of lotions or creams. Sunscreens are not the only one which has SPF, some whitening lotions have them too but their main objective is different. But it is best to use plain sunscreen for best protection. It is up to you to find what would be the best sunscreen suited for you, your skin and your lifestyle.
