Sunscreens Explained
UVA, UVB, SPF! Factor 20, 50, 100? What to choose? If you’re looking through the selection of sunscreens in your
local pharmacy or supermarket it can be very confusing!!
There are two different types of ultra violet rays in sunlight:
1. UVA are the rays that age the skin (A for ageing)
2. UVB are the rays that burn the skin (B for burning)
Therefore look for a sunscreen that offers protection from both. This is sometimes referred to as ‘broad spectrum’.
For most blokes their skin will start to burn after about 10 minutes of full sun exposure without any protection.
Therefore sun protection factor (SPF) 20, for example, will provide 20 times the protection of no sunscreen i.e. 200
minutes or just over 3 hours. The sun protection numbers aren’t an exact science so it’s best to re-apply every
couple of hours or more if swimming or sweating (exercising). In hot weather SPF 30 is the best option for the
majority of guys.
Some more top tips
*Sunscreen should be used whenever the sun is
shining and not just when when it’s really hot. Most
people only buy sun lotion when going abroad on
holiday if they buy it at all.
*Always apply sun lotion before you leave the house
to give it chance to ‘sink in’.
*Redheads and blondes need to take extra care in
the sun.
*When applying sun lotion to your face do so in front
of the mirror. Most guys smother their face with far
too much. Remember: less is more and aeapply
often.
*Money saving tip: Be prepared and take more
sunscreen on holiday than you actually need as it’s
usually more expensive abroad and not always as
readily available.
*As a general rule the sun is at its strongest between
12-3pm so be cautious about over- exposing your
skin during these times.
*Don’t forget the top of your head if you have a hair
style where scalp is exposed to sunshine or wear a
sun hat.
Also change products regularly. If you’ve had the
same dusty old bottle of sun lotion hanging around
at the back of your cupboard for a couple of years
it probably won’t be of any use so check the expiry
date. The active ingredients will be far less effective if
it’s past it sell-by date.
*During hot weather drink extra water to keep the skin
hydrated.
*Use body lotion (after-sun lotion) post-shower to
hydrate your skin.
*DO NOT cover yourself in oil while sunbathing. You’re
not tanning, you are cooking! Oil is for stir-fries, not
bodies!!
So by all means enjoy the sunshine, but also respect it.
As with everything in life moderation is the key!
If you have any questions, comments or suntanning
stories to share I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time. May the moisturiser be with you,
Tristan
Tristan Lee
*Sun can reflect off snow therefore don’t forget to
use sun lotion on your face when skiing.
45 and STILL gets asked for ID!
Tristan is one of the UK’s leading authorities on male
grooming so for more information on how to look and
feel your best contact Tristan today!
*Keep products out of direct sunlight as it
dramatically reduces their effectiveness.
[email protected]
www.theguyguru.co.uk - 07950009999
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