Journal

Why Sunscreen is Your Skin's Best Friend

Back in my IIT days, one of my favorite YouTube videos was Baz Luhrmann's "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)." Although I'm not yet ready to deliver a commencement speech, I can confidently say that sunscreen is the most essential part of your skincare routine. If you could only use one skincare product, make it sunscreen. 

Here are some of the key benefits of Sunscreen:

1. Unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause skin cancer
2. Researchers have estimated that unprotected exposure to the sun's UVA rays, IR from hot objects such as the flame of a gas burner, or HEV ( visible blue and violet) rays from mobile & laptop screens - are responsible for 80% of skin ageing
3. If you are using leave-on skincare products with Vitamins or rinse-off products with AHA or BHA, your skin will need sun protection to avoid sun damage

Did you know? 

We are most susceptible to the sun's UVA rays and thus photo-aging while commuting. (Read the nerd corner below to get a quick overview of how indirect sun exposure can cause premature aging).

Here are some pro tips on how to use (and choose) sunscreen (or a sunscreen cream) that will help you maximize the benefits of sunscreen:

1. How to choose? : Choose a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50, which has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to get maximum protection from the UV rays. These stay on the surface of your skin and don’t penetrate.
2. Daily Use is Essential: Even if you stay indoors, apply sunscreen to protect against indirect sun exposure and blue light from screens.
3. Layer Correctly: Apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine, ideally 15 minutes after your morning cream/serum.
4. Compatible Formulations: Use an oil-based sunscreen if you use a day cream with active agents like Vitamin C to ensure both products remain effective.
5. Reapply When Necessary: If you're outdoors for long periods, like at the beach or hiking, reapply your sunscreen according to its SPF rating.
6. Post-Exfoliation Care: Avoid direct sun exposure for a couple of hours after using an exfoliating mask or peel. Click here for pro tips on exfoliation.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Healthy and glowing skin needs protection. Regularly applying sunscreen helps maintain naturally radiant and plump skin. Even if you spend most of your time indoors or commuting, sunscreen shields your skin from damage. If you want to learn more about the benefits of sunscreen or have any questions, chat with us live or email us at care@aminu.life 

Nerd Corner: How does sun exposure cause aging?

Sun's UV rays that reach us consist of UVA and UVB. Both UVA and UVB create oxidants called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in our skin, which then break the collagen and cause our skin to wrinkle and sag. While UVB affects our skin only on direct exposure, UVA can also affect indirect exposure, such as commuting in a car. Here is a picture (PC: The Huffington Post) of a truck driver who drove around for 28 years and inadvertently exposed one side of his face to indirect sunlight for a long time. Notice the difference in his skin or left and right sides to see what sun exposure can do to your skin. 

So, please, wear sunscreen every day. Share the benefits with your loved ones and protect your skin from sun damage.

Cheers, Aman...