As the summer sun begins to beat down, concerns about ultraviolet (UV) rays also increase. UV rays are one of the main causes of skin aging as they reduce skin elasticity. Especially during summer, when UV exposure is intense, the risk of various skin diseases increases. Here, we introduce the proper use of sunscreen and methods to keep your tired skin healthy.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): Ranging from 2 to 50, higher numbers mean longer UVB protection.
PA (Protection Grade of UVA): Displayed as PA+, PA++, and PA+++, with more + indicating stronger UVA protection.
UV rays are divided into UVA and UVB based on their wavelength. UVA, with the longest wavelength, darkens the skin. UVB, with a medium wavelength, causes sunburn, resulting in erythema (skin reaction due to external or internal stimuli) or blisters. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to sunburns, skin aging, and even skin cancer.
Sunscreen blocks strong sunlight and protects the skin, commonly known as ‘sun cream.’ Applying sunscreen is the most basic method of skin protection and should be used year-round on exposed areas. Especially during periods of intense sunlight, using sunscreen is essential to prevent skin damage.
Choose products with functional labels that indicate UV protection efficacy and select appropriate products based on their purpose, protection level, and skin sensitivity. Since sunscreen can be wiped off by contact with hands, clothing, or sweat, it should be reapplied every 2-3 hours. Apply it evenly and thoroughly, like creating a protective film on the skin, and let it fully absorb by applying 30 minutes before sun exposure. Overuse can clog pores and cause skin issues, so use an appropriate amount and wash off thoroughly after going out.
Using wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and parasols can create a synergistic effect. Even on cloudy days, UV levels are about 50% of sunny days, so apply sunscreen to exposed areas.
Different Sunscreens for Different Places
indicates the level of UVB protection. SPF numbers range from 2 to 50, with SPF 50+ indicating stronger protection. Each increase in SPF number provides about 20 more minutes of UVB protection. For example, using SPF 20 sunscreen offers about 6 hours and 40 minutes of protection (20×20 minutes=400 minutes). However, the protection duration can vary depending on the time, location, and how much the product is worn off by sweat.
measures the degree of UVA protection, indicated as PA+, PA++, and PA+++, with more + indicating greater protection.
For light outdoor activities or leisure, use products around ‘PA+, SPF 10’. For sports at vacation spots or beaches, use ‘PA++, SPF 10-30’. For high altitudes or equatorial regions, use ‘PA++ to +++, SPF 30+’ products. For water activities, use ‘PA+++, SPF 30+’ products.
Revitalize Tired Skin with Natural Packs!
The potato pack has excellent whitening effects, calming sunburned skin. Place gauze on your face, mix ground potato with flour, and apply evenly. Use cold potatoes from the refrigerator for a cooling effect. If gauze is unavailable, soak cotton pads in potato juice and apply.
Cucumber packs provide fatigue relief, soothing, whitening, and moisturizing effects, revitalizing tired skin. Peel and grind cucumber, mix with flour, or place thin cucumber slices directly on the skin. Cucumber packs cool down heated, reddened skin and cleanse it.
Wine, made from aged grapes, is effective against spots, wrinkles, and aging. Rich in polyphenols from grape skin and seeds, wine promotes the generation of young cells, preventing skin aging. Apply wine-soaked cotton pads over gauze on your face and reapply as it dries. Rinse off with lukewarm water after wiping along skin lines.
Three Key Summer Skincare Tips
Summer sweat promotes bacterial growth, so maintaining clean skin with thorough cleansing is crucial. Improper cleansing can lead to enlarged pores or skin troubles as impurities accumulate on the skin.
Air conditioning in hot weather can make the skin rough and dry. Drinking water frequently provides sufficient hydration to the skin. Consuming over 1.5 liters of water daily, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, greatly aids summer skincare.
Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and place it on your face. Gently massage for about 10 minutes to aid exfoliation and fatigue recovery. Finish with a cold skin toner on a cotton pad. Heating the towel in a microwave is also effective.