Especially in hot and tropical countries like Brazil, the use of sunscreen should be an act present in everyone’s daily life. But many people end up exchanging sunscreen for other products, such as moisturizer and makeup.
Research has found that using sunscreen is more beneficial than applying moisturizer, even if the cream comes with SPF (sun protection factor).
And this is linked to the way of applying each one as well.
During the study, when they used the moisturizer, the participants covered approximately 80% of the face. When applying sunscreen, the covered area was about 86% of the face. This shows that people apply sunscreen better than moisturizer.
The test was divided into two stages:
- In the first part, the volunteers were photographed by a special camera for measuring violet radiation (UV) before and after applying SPF 30 sunscreen;
- In the second part, the procedure was the same, but the respondents used moisturizing cream with a protective factor instead of sunscreen.
After seeing the results of the study, the participants answered a questionnaire in which they informed that they did not know that the coverage was incomplete.
This poor application, especially in areas where the skin is thinner (such as the eyelids or the upper part of the nose, between the eyes and the eyebrows), leaves the skin more exposed and subject to cancer .
In addition, the researchers believe that sunscreen may have better absorption and protection compared to creams, even those with SPF.
Therefore, when having long exposures to the sun, it is recommended to use both sunscreen and moisturizer, ensuring protection and hydration for the skin.
The research, carried out at the University of Liverpool, in England, was published in the magazine Plos One and involved 84 people (62 women and 22 men).
Read more: How to use sunscreen every day and in any situation
Skin care
The sunscreen should be applied about 15 minutes before leaving the house. This time is necessary for the skin to completely absorb the product. In addition, it is important to reapply the protector every two hours if the skin is exposed to the sun.
Avoiding sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm also helps to prevent skin diseases, including cancer.
The correct amount of sunscreen to apply is 1 teaspoon for the face and 3 tablespoons for the body. If possible, use other forms of protection against the sun’s rays (sunglasses, hats and caps, for example).
According to the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the minimum sun protection factor is 30. The lighter the skin, the greater the protection is needed.
If in doubt about the right type of sunscreen for your skin, consult a dermatologist.
Read more: Comparison of brands: what is the best sunscreen for the face?
The sunscreen, proven, can prevent skin cancer and should not be replaced by other products. Using the sunscreen correctly helps the skin to become healthier and more beautiful.
