Get Ready for Summer!

The cold and windy winter season is finally over. After the rainy season, it will soon be the start of Summer! Nothing feels better than spending time outside on a warm and sunny day, but in Taiwan, sometimes the weather can be scorching hot during the summer months! We've all heard about the potential dangers of exposing your skin to sunlight without protection, but are we aware of the correct way to apply sunscreen? Needless to say, it is important to wear sunscreen from the sun's damaging rays, but it is even more important to understand why and how to do it.

We all need some sun exposure, it keeps us healthy by giving us our source of vitamin D. However, too much unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, and even develop cancer if there is a family history.

So, what are UV rays? Sunlight comes in three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

1. UVC rays are the most dangerous, but thankfully, they are blocked by the ozone layer.

2. UVB rays cause sunburn, cataracts, and affects the immune system. Skin cancer may also develop with UVB sunburns.

3. UVA rays is the primary cause of aging and wrinkling, as well as contributing to skin cancer.

Before we learn how to apply sunscreen, we need to know to choose a good sunscreen! When buying a sunscreen product, read the label to for its SPF and PA protection. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and protects the skin from UVB rays. The most common SPF levels in Taiwan are SPF 30 and SPF 50. Since SPF represents the length of time you can stay in the sun without getting a sunburn. For instance, if a person's skin starts to burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, then a sunscreen with SPF 15 protection would prolong the sunburn 15 times longer, which equals to 150 minutes. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, higher SPF levels does not mean better protection, and SPF 30 should already be enough for daily protection, unless if you are going to the beach. PA stands for Protection Grade, and provides protection against UVA rays. You can find products with PA+, PA++, and PA+++ protection. Unless you are staying out in the sun for long hours, PA+ and PA++ protection is adequate for daily activities. But one might wonder: Why not just buy a product with the highest protection if the prices are about the same? Though higher protection level means longer protection against the sun, it is also heavier on the skin, which may be uncomfortable on a day in the heat. Thus, one should avoid too much protection if unnecessary.

Lastly, the correct way to apply sunscreen!

1. It is recommended that you apply on sunscreen everyday as a daily basis, even when the weather is moderate.

2. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading out so that a good layer of protection and form and stay on the skin.

3. When applying the sunscreen, don't forget about the ears and behind the neck! Some lip balms even provide SPF protection! Wearing sunglasses or using an umbrella is an effective way to prevent your eyes from harmful rays.

4. Put on generous amounts of sunscreen, a thin layer of sunscreen will not offer enough protection against the sun.

5. Reapply sunscreen approximately every 2 hours, since sweating may reduce the effects of the sunscreen.

Next time when you're heading out to enjoy the sunlight, don't forget your sun protection! Happy tanning, everyone!