If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s sun safety. That’s because all year round (and especially during summer), the intense rays of the sun can impact one’s skin. So what happens when you step out without it? Over time, you’ll see fine lines, uneven skin, premature ageing and sunburn. That’s why we’re such crusaders when it comes to sunscreen. Not only will a good sunscreen shield you from both UVA and UVB rays, it’ll make sure that your skin won’t feel greasy or sticky. Here are a few interesting facts about sunscreen that you probably didn’t know…
Don’t mistake the SPF factor

Don’t mistake the SPF factor

If you believe that higher SPF means more protection for your skin, you couldn’t be more wrong. In reality, the factor attached to the SPF denotes how much longer you will be protected from burning than you would be without sunscreen. For example, SPF 15 prevents sunburn for 15 times longer than usual. For optimum protection, skin experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF ranging from 15 to 50.

Don’t skimp on sunscreen

When it comes to applying sunscreen, a little does not go a long way. For all round sun protection, a thick layer of it needs to be slathered over exposed parts of the body and blended into the skin well. Experts suggest that for your face and neck, you need approximately a marble sized amount of sunscreen while the rest of your body requires a shot glass sized amount.

You need more than SPF

Since SPF only protects you from certain UV rays, it’s imperative to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen. Not only will such a product keep the signs of sun damage at bay, it will also reduce the risk of skin cancer.

SPF isn’t mathematics

SPF isn’t mathematics

If you apply a SPF 15 moisturiser and combine it with a sunscreen with SPF 30, it will not give you SPF 45 protection. As sunscreen doesn’t work the way math does, adding more products with more SPF will not give you a higher level of protection. The next time you’re looking for a high SPF protection for your body, choose the Lakmé Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA+++. Its broad spectrum formula will keep you skin protected from UVA and UVB rays and prevent sun damage.


It won’t really affect your Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced in the body with the aid of sunlight. Is your sunscreen hampering your body’s ability to produce it? Not really. Numerous studies have shown that while sunscreen does lower the amount of vitamin D produced by the skin, the amount is extremely insignificant. You can always make up for this tiny number by supplementing your diet with Vitamin D rich foods such as fish oil, salmon, soy milk, eggs and mushrooms.