Everyone should protect themselves from the sun by using a sunscreen every day, even those who work in areas that are covered and exposed to the sun for short periods. Also, most windows do not block UVA rays.

What is sunscreen and how does it work?

Sunscreens that are applied to the skin are part of the most widely used forms of sun protection and are intended to prevent ultraviolet radiation.

Sunscreen, also called sunblock, is a topical product that can be found in various forms, either as a cream, gel, spray, lotion, or other topical, containing physical agents such as titanium dioxide and a variety of chemical compounds that prevent or avoid ultraviolet (UV) rays emanating from the sun from affecting our skin.

Sunscreens are composed of this mixture of both chemical and physical products because they could not protect individually against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation. UVB rays are the cause of skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, loss of elasticity and other consequences of photo-aging.

Sunscreen compounds work in the following way:

Their chemical compounds absorb the radiation preventing it from being absorbed by the skin. While the physical compounds of the sunscreen work as a screen that reflects and disperses the radiation.

How much and how often should sunscreen be used?

Scientific studies to test sunscreens are conducted with 2 mg of the product for every 2 cm of skin.

For an average body, it is calculated that you should apply 1 oz, which is approximately equivalent to a shot glass or two tablespoons.

As it is difficult to calculate the amount to be applied on the skin when you are outdoors, it is recommended that you apply the sunscreen until a visible white layer is left on the skin.

If spending time at the beach, use at least half of an 8 oz. bottle.

Of course, for better protection from the sun, we should increase the amount of sunscreen applied.

Sunscreens should be applied a minimum of 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun, this is so that the compounds are absorbed by the skin; it is important to note that it is essential that the sunscreen be reapplied in equal amounts to the first application every two hours, it should also be reapplied after sweating or immediately after finishing swimming since the product loses its effectiveness with water.

Some sunscreens are water-resistant, these must be able to withstand at least two 20-minute baths, although these are studies conducted in laboratories, without moving much and with greater quantity.

Other forms of protection against the sun:
-Find the shadow:

It is of utmost importance to limit exposure to ultra-violet light by avoiding direct sunlight for a prolonged time.

-Protect your skin with your clothes:

When outdoors, wear clothing to cover the skin, avoiding direct contact with the sun. Clothing helps in different ways as protection against UV rays. The most effective clothing items are long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and long skirts, as well as dark-colored clothing that protects better than

light-colored clothing.

It should be noted that covering yourself with clothing does not completely block all UV rays. On the other hand, if you can see light passing through the tissue, it means that UV rays can also pass through it.

-Use UV-blocking sunglasses:

Sunglasses can block ultraviolet rays, they’re ideal for protecting the delicate area around the eyes, as well as the eyes. Sunglasses that are suitable for protection against UVB and UVA rays are those that block 99% to 100% of these rays.

-Use hats:

Hats that have a brim around at least 2 or 3 inches are perfect because they protect the parts that are usually exposed to the sun’s rays, such as the eyes, nose, forehead, scalp, and ears.

Also recommended is a shaded cap, which is similar to a baseball cap with a 7-inch cloth that falls to the sides and back of the neck, which will provide more protection for the neck.

If you don’t have a shade cap or other hat, you can make one by wearing a large turban or scarf under a baseball cap.