Sunscreen is the indispensable part of your personal skin care routine. Sun exposure damages the skin. It can lead to many skin problems like wrinkles, premature aging, freckles, and blemishes. In addition to these problems, other effects can include sunburn and skin cancer. Sunlight is made up of two types of harmful rays:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays

UVA rays (the rays of aging) are the longest rays in the spectrum, passing through window glass and penetrating deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system and damage at the cellular level that affects the ability of the immune system to protect the skin against the signs of aging. UVB rays are the shortest rays, which are blocked by window glass and are responsible for burns. These rays are also known as burning rays.

Sunscreen application is very essential to protect your skin from these skin problems. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to all exposed parts of your body 15-30 minutes before going out into the sun so it can have plenty of time for absorption. The frequency of sunscreen application will increase in cases of excessive sweating and swimming and in humid and tropical climates. It should also be applied on cloudy days since up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Applying sunscreen is beneficial to the skin if applied to areas not covered by clothing, even if you don’t leave the house. An adequate amount of sunscreen can protect your skin from premature aging, freckles, and blemishes. People with sensitive skin should apply sunscreen with SPF-30 or higher as their skin burns more quickly.

There are two types of sunscreen. One type of sunscreen absorbs harmful UV rays, also known as a chemical sunscreen, and another type of sunscreen blocks or deflects UV rays to prevent skin damage. These types of sunscreen are called physical (organic) sunscreen. The chemical screen contains synthetic or chemical filters. Chemical ingredients in sunscreen can break down the rays and make them ineffective. A safe alternative to chemical sunscreens are organic/natural sunscreens. The organic sunscreen contains plant ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the main ingredients in physical sunscreens that block/deflect the sun’s rays. Zinc oxide is quite safe for the skin as it has been classified as a category I product by the FDA.

Homemade sunscreen recipe

– 225 grams of sunflower or soybean oil

– 25 Grams of emulsifying wax

– 25 Grams of zinc oxide

Preparation: Put all the ingredients in a mixture and mix them properly. Your sunscreen is ready to use. Keep the remaining sunscreen in a cool place for later use. More information on various sunscreen recipes based on skin type and other skin care needs is available at Skin and Beautycare.