The heatwave has gripped the nation, with some parts of India expecting the first pre-monsoon showers, bringing some respite to the citizens. With the intense weather conditions, protecting your skin becomes a top priority. Most of us are familiar with the sun protection factor (SPF), the number on the front of your sunscreen bottle. The higher the number, the better. SPF tells you how much protection your sunscreen provides from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But is sunscreen meant only for summer? Is it okay to skip sunscreen on a cloudier, cooler day or when your time outside is limited? There are myths associated with SPF applications. Here are the reasons why sunscreen is essential for all seasons.

UVA and UVB

Ultraviolet A and B are different wavelengths of radiation from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere. UVA is associated with skin ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer. It can affect human skin even through glass. On the other hand, UVB causes sunburn and is linked to malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (types of skin cancer). Applying sunscreen does not prevent all types of skin damage for maximum protection, but it is recommended to cover up and seek shade when the sun is strongest.

Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

Applying sunscreen to sun-exposed areas is essential. Just a few minutes outside is enough exposure to cause damage and potentially skin cancer in the long term. The sun's rays can be aggressive and fatal if left untreated. Hence, prevention is the best medicine.

Sunscreen’s SPF

A sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much protection a product offers. The SPF rating is determined by how long a product protects against sunburn. The US Food and Drug Administration states, “SPF is not directly related to the time of solar exposure but to the amount of solar exposure.” SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. It is important to note that no product provides 100 percent protection from the sun’s rays. Ideally, you should apply sunscreen with a high SPF and a high star rating. SPF 30 is the minimum recorded level for both our face and body.

Sunscreen for All Weathers

Using sunscreen in the summer is a no-brainer, but it's not a seasonal affair. It’s a year-round, all-weather skincare necessity. Don't be misled to think that UV rays are only present during the sweltering summer months. The atmosphere is always filled with UV radiation, even on a chilly winter day. Hence, protecting your skin from these harmful rays is essential, regardless of the season.

It is important to apply sunscreen every day, all year round. The sun rays can still damage your skin when it’s cloudy and they do not discriminate based on skin tone. Other layers of protection, such as dark-coloured clothing, also offer significant sun protection.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2024 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).