What’s the big fuss about sunscreen?
Dr Neo Sekgoma | Tuesday March 15, 2022 06:00
Sunscreen is a protective topical product that absorbs/reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. it works by creating a film or coating on the skin that attenuates or filters out radiation that would otherwise permeate into the skin. They either absorb or scatter the small photons before they penetrate the skin. The two main types of sunscreens include physical and chemical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens contain agents such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide which reflect the Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun and hence provide a physical barrier for the skin, they are ideal for sensitive skin; however, the main disadvantage of using physical sunscreens is that they leave a white cast on the skin which tends to be aesthetically unpleasing to the user. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand absorb the ultraviolet rays of the sun, take 20minutes to be fully effective, they contain agents such as Oxybenzone. There are certain considerations that one should keep in mind when selecting a sunscreen.
According to Dr Sekgoma FCDerm MMED, a dermatologist when safe guarding your skin it is important to look out for sunscreens that are broad-spectrum, which essentially means a sunscreen that has a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and protects against ultraviolet rays specifically UVA and UVB. Another point is to ensure that sunscreen is worn daily all year round regardless of the season. Dr Sekgoma also explains that for a sunscreen to be effective one should apply about a size of a shot glass on each body surface area that is exposed to the sun. When going on a beach vacation, swimming, jogging, out in the fields or any activity that involves long period of sun exposure one should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Now here are some common misconceptions that Dr Sekgoma has decided to debunk. “I am an African black person I don’t need sunscreen” Incorrect! Sunscreen provides additional protection against hyper-pigmentary disorders and premature aging of the skin, which is of added benefit to the skin. Also African people can also get sunburnt. “My foundation “makeup” contains SPF so I don’t need one” False.
Make up tends to have a low Sun protective factor (SPF) therefore giving a little protection against the sun. One needs to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen prior to applying make-up. “Sunscreen causes breakouts” Dr Sekgoma explains that there are several types of sunscreens in the market that are designed for oily/acne prone skin. The labels usually have oil free or non comedogenic on them. Check out the Eucerin Sungel cream oil control SPF 50 if you need somewhere to start. “Sunscreen never expires” The active ingredients contained in sunscreen eventually breakdown, leading to ineffective sun protection. The use of expired sunscreen can also result in skin reactions. “There is no need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day” False! Sun damage is also possible on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate some clouds, and may even be more intense due to reflection off the clouds. “Im spending my day indoors which means I don’t need to use sunscreen” Contrary to popular belief. Sunscreen is to be worn indoors particularly if one works near a window. Window glass blocks UVB rays but not UVA rays. Now that we know that sunscreen is important here are 3 of my favourite budget friendly broad spectrum sunscreens. Eucerin Sungel cream oil control SPF 50 - Breakouts are no excuse to skip sunscreen.
This formulation is ideal for people with oily or acne prone skin as it will not clog the “pores” non comedogenic and protects against UVA and UVB Heliocare 360o gel oil free SPF 50 a non comedogenic high SPF sunscreen that has an amazing matt finish on the skin. Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 Very High Protection Light Gel offers broadspectrum protection of the skin, and is an excellent agent for prevention of premature aging of the skin and hyperpigmentartion
*Dr Neo Sekgoma Specialist Dermatologist Instagram @drsekgoma_ Facebook Dr Sekgoma