Facial Sunscreen is the Best Anti Aging Product

If you have ever deliberated about whether or not to use facial sunscreen, do not delay it anymore; start using it now, because it is one of the best anti aging products out there. None of us can escape the harmful rays of the sun; not even on cloudy days! The sooner you get into the routine of applying sunscreen daily, the sooner you will be protecting your skin.

How does sunscreen help? Well, sunscreens are formulations that go a long way towards protecting us from ultraviolet radiation. UVA and UVB rays are the harmful ultraviolet rays that are responsible for causing skin cancer and early wrinkling and aging of the skin. Sunburn is caused by the UVB rays (which damages skin cells), and UVA rays, whilst not causing sunburn, penetrate even deeper to worsen the damage to cells. It is therefore best to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion that offers protection against both types of rays. Make sure your face sunscreen protects you against UVA rays, because that is what makes sunblock a great anti aging product.

There are two types of sunscreens, physical filters and chemical filters. Physical filters work by depositing a reflective layer on the skin, while chemical filters absorb the rays and so prevent penetration. Two highly effective ingredients in popular sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both suitable for most skin types.

When choosing a sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is the SPF rating. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which gives an indication of the amount of protection it will give you. The higher the factor, the longer you can stay in the sun before burning occurs. If a sunscreen has an SPF of 15, and your skin usually starts burning in about 30 minutes, then by applying factor 15 you should be protected for 15 times longer than you would be without it. However, always remember that it is wiser to cover up or stay under cover during the peak time for sunburn (usually 11am to 3pm).

Choosing a sunscreen can be confusing. Try to use one with an SPF of at least 15, even if you are not spending that much time outdoors. Anti aging skincare products on the market today often have sunscreen as part of the formulation. Again, try to choose one with a rating of 15 or above.

Having chosen a sunscreen, be sure that you apply it correctly. Apply to skin half an hour before going outdoors, and re-apply every couple of hours if you are exposed to the sun for extended periods. If you are spending time in the water, you might want to choose a waterproof formulation. These form a thicker layer on the skin, but if you towel-dry after swimming, you will be rubbing a lot of it off, so re-apply often.

Always use common sense, since we can never be fully protected from ultraviolet radiation. If it is a scorching day, stay indoors during peak hours. If you have to be outside for extended periods, use an SPF of at least 30, and remember daily, use your facial sunscreen, because it's the best anti aging products.