7 burning questions about sunscreens

Wrinkles, spots, allergic reactions…it’s time to take the heat seriously and build a barrier against the sun. But before you get paranoid when it starts to sizzle, just review this basic

information and be sure that you´re ready to face the sun with the correct information and knowledge.

How and when to apply sunscreen?

To apply sunscreen straight on the skin, first, before your moisturizer and makeup is the best way to make it more effective in protection. Your sunblock should not come in contact with the eyes; if you apply it carefully you can apply it gently around them. To ensure maximum SPF potential, the sunblock should be applied 30 minutes before going out. Remember that sunblock demands a completely dry surface before use; contact with water minimizes its effectiveness and if you perspire, you will need to reapply it every two hours or buy a sport formulation.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70+ features a breadth of stabilizing technologies: it’s water and sweat resistant

What´s the difference between UVA and UVB?

It’s as simple as this: are you too tanned? Blame UVB (ultraviolet short wave). But if feel you’re more wrinkled, then UVA (ultraviolet long-wave) is responsible!

Am I protected if I’m not exposed to the sunlight?

From the burns, yes, but not from UVA. These rays are present all year round, even on cloudy or rainy days. So don’t step out, without, at least your face protected with a sunblock. If you spend all day indoors but are worried about brown spots then try to buy a cream with "full-spectrum sun protection," which works against artificial light. Its texture is watery, very soft and comfortable to wear.

Are some areas more sensitive than others?

Yes, lips, nose, shoulders and dry areas of the body (knees and elbows) are definitely more sensitive. You also need to take care of the scars and spots because they tend to become brown. For all these zones, the best option is to have a stick applicator, which enables you to take care of these areas more accurately. Another very overlooked part of your body are your feet….and what about your hands? Are you seriously reapplying sunblock every time that you wash them?

Why does the sun induce skin cancer?

It is because UV rays mutate the DNA of cells and suppress their immunity. For some reason, cells with damaged DNA reproduce very fast, and that’s what causes skin cancer. More than 90 percent of skin cancer is caused by the sun and I must tell you that if you have had more than five serious sun burns in your life, you are in the red zone. In this case, the risk of developing cancer doubles.

With an effective anti-UVA and UVB screen, Photoderm MAX 50+ by Bioderma offers 99.8 percent of DNA´s cells protection

What is a sun block’s shelf life?

All creams have an expiry date of about two years, but their effectiveness can be shorter if you give them a bad life. Don´t think that you are taking care of your skin if you are using a cream that has been neglected. Leaving a cream in your car and in the heat for weeks destroys key ingredients and leaves it ineffective. So keep your creams fresh at room temperature, without exposing them to drastic changes of heat, humidity and cold.

Are darker skin-tones less exposed to damage?

They seem more resistant to burns because the melanin (skin pigment) will absorb some of the rays. But even if dark skin is less prone, all skin tones are equally exposed to dangers of skin cancer and aging caused by UVA. Here’s one more reason to slather up: it’s harder to notice when dark skin has developed cancerous moles; it has usually progressed significantly by the time the moles can be detected.

Cate Blanchett´s porcelain complexion deserve a gold star because is not just genetic. She uses a super strong Swiss sunscreen – Daylong (www.daylong.fr) – even when it is overcast.