Importance of Sunscreen

Most times when a skin specialist or cosmetologist suggests sunscreen as a must in skin care routine, you may have several questions.

- Dr. Akshita Shetty

Dr. Akshita Shetty

CELEBRITY AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN, General Secaretary at COCTASSI, Medical Director at Giostar Medspa Ph: 8123141150/8951112565 Website: http://giostarmedspa.com Email: [e-mail]

Sunscreen is commonly known as sunblock cream or lotion. Basically, it is a photo-protective topical product for skin that absorbs or reflects some of sun's ultraviolet radiation and protects skin from sunburn, tan, allergy or pigmentation.

Sunscreen was first invented in early 1932 by a chemist in Australia. Since then sunscreen has been available in different forms like cream, lotion, gel and powder.

Sunscreen is recommended by the American cancer society to prevent skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma prevent melanoma.

What does a sunscreen contain?

Most common ingredients used in sunscreen are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and oxybenzone. They help protect the skin by deflecting sun rays.

How many times should you apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied 15 mins before you walk out of the house. Ideally, the sunscreen effect lasts for only 3-4 hours depending on SPF (sun protection factor) 30/40/50. One has to reapply after 4 hours, twice during the day. (ex 8am-12pm-4pm)