Preventing Wrinkles With Sunscreen

Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles. The most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles is sunscreen, but most people do not use sunscreen correctly. Important factors to consider with sunscreen use are the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount of sunscreen applied, and the frequency of application.

The Effects Of Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength. UVB rays are largely responsible for sunburns. They affect the outer layers of skin but don't penetrate much deeper. However, the radiation from these rays can cause skin cancer over time. UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season. UVA rays penetrate much more deeply. While both types of ultraviolet rays can cause wrinkles, UVA rays work more efficiently to accelerate your skin's aging process. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.

Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens ingredients can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation. The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation. Using a sunscreen protects you from the radiation within the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Choosing A Sunscreen
The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption. The higher the number of SPF, the more protection it offers. Most people buy sunscreens based solely upon the SPF. However, doing so can give a false sense of security because the SPF only measures the level of protection from UVB rays. Remember, UVA rays are more efficient in causing wrinkles.

Applying Sunscreen Properly
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Reapplying Sunscreen
A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.

Daily Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF sunscreen.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
Insect repellents reduce the sunscreen's SPF by up to one-third. When using sunscreen and insect repellent together, a higher SPF should be used and reapplied more often.

Chances are, you or someone you know developed wrinkles uncommonly early. While some people are genetically predisposed to aging more quickly than others, most simply receive too much unprotected exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Indeed, one of the most effective ways to prevent wrinkles is to use adequate protection from these rays.