Sun Screen - An Essential Skin Care

The single most danger to the skin is the skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun is regarded as the cause of the development of the skin cancer.

The ultraviolet rays of the sun are responsible for the skin cancer. Hence, proper skin care is indispensable for the protection of the skin from the sun.

The first and foremost thing one should do is to limit the amount of sun exposure at least during the noon time of the days as the intensity of the sun rays during that time is highest. During the summer season also, their intensity is stronger. Hence, it is necessary to use a proper sun screen to protect the skin from the sun.

The sun screens – The sun screens, which form the most important aspect of any skin care regimen, are of two types. They are the sun block and the sunscreen.

The sun blocks protect the skin by acting as a wall in between the rays and skin. There are certain metallic contents in it that scatter and reflect the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The sun screen filters out the ultraviolet rays in the sun, while letting pass the other rays in the sun.

Different types of sun screens are available in the market. While going for one, it is better to watch the SPF factor in it. It is shown as a number on the bottle. The number signifies the number of hours one can be out on the sun after applying it without having any burn skin.

How to use the sun screen

The sun screen should be used fifteen to twenty minutes before going out.
As the sun screens get washed away with water, it has to be applied again after getting exposed to water like swimming.
Any strenuous sporting activity results in heavy sweating. Hence, on such occasions also, the sun screen should be applied again.

Ingredients of the sun screens

Extracts of zinc form the main part of the ingredients in most of the sun screens used for skin care. The zinc in the sun screens, shields the skin from the effects of the ultraviolet rays in the skin.

Some of the sun screens used for skin care contains natural ingredients like the carrot, grapefruit, wheat germ, lavender oil, extracts of birch and wild pansy trees.

Aloe Vera is generally used as a skin care product for all types of skin problems and also to enhance the tone of the skin. But, it can also be used as a sun screen when combined with other products like butter and honey.

The effects of the ultraviolet rays of the sun are more pronounced on the fairer skin and hence people with such skin need to use the sun screen to protect the skin. But people with darker skin type should also use the sun screen with the factor of 8 to 15.

The prudent use of sun screen is part of the skin care to protect the skin from the effects of the sun.