- Is sunscreen safe? Will there be any harm from using it?
According to current research, both organic and inorganic sunscreens are relatively safe. The amount absorbed by the skin is very small. So far, there is no clear evidence that long-term use causes accumulated damage. Relatively speaking, organic sunscreens may have some risks of photosensitivity or contact dermatitis, so it is more recommended for young children to use physical sunscreens based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Can I also put sunscreen on my face?
When the sun hits the sky, the head and face bear the brunt. Compared to other parts of the body, the face is less shielded, so sun protection is more important. In addition, the face is the area that has the greatest impact on appearance. Neglecting to use sun protection may lead to dull skin, stains, telangiectasia, or skin wrinkles caused by collagen collapse, which directly affects the appearance. Therefore, facial sun protection is particularly important.
As mentioned before, sunscreen is very safe, so it can also be applied on the face. It should be noted that it should be avoided in spray form to avoid inhalation through the mouth and nose and irritating the respiratory tract. In addition, some sunscreen sprays use alcohol as a solvent in order to have a refreshing texture and easy spraying. But this is not suitable for sensitive skin and children and should be avoided.
- Do I need to apply facial cream before applying sunscreen?
Advertisements at skin care product counters or beauty bloggers may tell you that skin care cannot be done in a simple way and requires many steps. However, in fact, the skin care steps that ordinary people need only require three steps of “cleansing-moisturizing-sun protection”. Remember these three points, apply moisturizer promptly after cleansing, and apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out.
If your life is very tight, there are also moisturizing creams or “isolation creams” with sun protection functions on the market. Adults can also consider trying these. But generally speaking, the sun protection ability of the mixed dosage form is not too strong. The SPF is generally between 15-30, which is acceptable for daily life. If you are traveling to the beach or plateau, it is best not to choose a barrier cream to save trouble, because the protection Ability is likely to be insufficient.
- How to clean off sunscreen after applying it?
In the United States, sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen [1]. The so-called water-resistant sunscreen only takes longer to wash off, but in the end it is Can be washed off. For sunscreens sold in the United States (which actually covers almost all giant cosmetics companies), as long as they are not in a specially specified formulation (such as mixed preparations “base cream” and “BB cream”), it means that water is enough to wash them off.
In addition, as mentioned before, sunscreen is very safe. Firstly, sunscreen is basically not absorbed. Secondly, our skin itself has a barrier function, and the epidermis is constantly metabolizing. Sunscreen that has not been washed off today is not safe. It may still be on your face a month later – it only takes 28 days for your epidermis to change a new layer, so it doesn’t matter even if there is a little residual sunscreen that has not been washed off occasionally.
Therefore, sunscreen can be washed off normally, and facial cleanser can also be used to improve efficiency, but no special makeup remover is required. Concerns about cosmetic residue are largely exaggerated by the publicity surrounding some skin tests.
- If I haven’t used up the sunscreen that year, can I still use it the next year?
Among all kinds of “cosmetic” brand products, sunscreen products are considered to be relatively unstable. Many photoprotective ingredients are easily oxidized and therefore have a short lifespan. It is best to use them up as soon as possible after opening the bottle. If the shelf life is not exceeded, what will happen if I continue to use it the next year? It’s probably not harmful, just ineffective or inefficient.
Once you understand this, you will understand: There is really no need to buy too much sunscreen. This is not just for the convenience of passing through airport security, but there is a reason.
- Can children use adult sunscreen?
As mentioned before, children are more recommended to use physical sunscreens, and for safety reasons, the ingredients of sunscreens for children are usually simpler, while sunscreens for adults take more into account skin feel, fragrance, etc. User experience factors. Therefore, unless it says on the outer packaging: it can be used by adults and children. Otherwise, it’s best to buy a separate children’s sunscreen for your child.
However, whether it is a sunscreen for children or adults, it is generally very safe. Compared with the impact of ultraviolet rays on the skin, these safety concerns are not a concern, so if there is no sunscreen for children, use it for adults. It’s not a bad idea to use sunscreen.
- What should I do if I want to protect myself from the sun and mosquitoes at the same time?
Summer brings us not only sun exposure, but also mosquito bites. The most commonly used mosquito repellent on the market is DEET, but sunscreen needs to be used every 2 hours, while mosquito repellent does not need to be used so frequently, and some ingredients in sunscreen may also promote mosquito repellence. Amine is absorbed through the skin, so it is not recommended to mix these two things to reduce unnecessary absorption of DEET. According to the opinion of the US CDC, when sun protection and mosquito protection are needed, it is recommended to use sunscreen first and then mosquito repellent [2].
References
[1]https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm
[2]https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html
