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September 21, 2017

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Choosing the best sun block for you

CHINESE Food and Drug Administration has suggested correct ways to use sunscreen.

First, one should pick a sunscreen that suits oneself ­ — an emulsion, cream or spray.

An emulsion is more suitable for the summer or oily skin; a cream is richer in texture, which is for normal to dry skin in dryer seasons; a spray is lighter, so it is less effective blocking the UV rays.

Sun block factor, as seen on sunscreen packages such as SPF, and the highest protection UVA, also known as PA, are two indicators of sunscreens’ effectiveness.

However, the administration says always choosing sunscreens with the highest SPF and PA is a mistake, as the skin is more burdened with higher numbers.

Instead, one should choose a sunscreen with SPF 10 to 15 and PA+ for daily uses, one with SPF 20 to 30 and PA+++ when travelling and a waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or above when swimming or bathing.

A sunscreen should be re-applied in two to three hours for effective use. It also does not become effective until 20 to 30 minutes later, so one should apply sunscreen before going out by gently patting it onto the skin, so it doesn’t clog one’s pores.

For the face, one should apply sunscreen about the size of a 1-yuan coin, and one may spray sunscreen on the hair or wear a hat to prevent the hair from UV rays.

Children should wear physical sunscreens with SPF 15, as opposed to chemical sunscreens.

Interestingly, the administration also says that eating certain food can also prevent people from getting sunburned.

Among them are green tea, nuts rich in Vitamin E and fruits rich in Vitamin C such as kiwis.

These foods are anti-oxidizing that can improve metabolism, shrink pores and enhance protection from the sun.

On the other hand, lemons and celeries react with the sun and generates black spots on the skin, so the administration suggests refraining from consuming them when the sun is at its most fiercest.

Protection from the sun is an all year-round effort, as UV rays only decreases about 30 percent even on a cloudy day, the administration said.




 

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