Sunscreen standards and early-stage sun damage management: Building a scientific photoprotective barrier

The correct way to use sunscreen: Theoretically, SPF 35 sunscreen is quite effective. Even people with fair skin who are extremely sensitive to sunlight can be exposed to the sun for several hours after applying it without any problems. However, some products will come off when exposed to water or sweat, and the amount applied varies from person to person, so even high-SPF products shouldn't be taken lightly. Lower SPF products are also quite effective if reapplied every 2-3 hours. Therefore, regardless of the SPF, proper application is essential.

Milk can soothe sunburn. Not only does milk nourish the skin, but its enzymes also have anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling, and skin-soothing effects. Therefore, after sunbathing, if your face is red and swollen from sun exposure, you can use milk to treat it. Simply applying milk to your face can provide relief.

Apply aloe vera juice to sunburned skin: Apply aloe vera juice to the sunburned skin and let it dry naturally. Aloe vera can help injured skin heal quickly and prevent peeling. When the skin is burning and painful due to sunburn, applying aloe vera juice also has an immediate cooling and soothing effect.

Avoid using skincare products containing fruit acids in the summer. Using fruit acid products often causes small flakes of skin to peel off, exposing newly formed skin to the elements. Newly formed skin is vulnerable to intense sunlight and can easily be sunburned.

The key points of skin care after sunburn: For dry skin, focus on moisturizing; for oily skin, focus on whitening; and for normal skin, focus on removing blemishes. Post-sun care generally focuses on three aspects: moisturizing, whitening, and anti-wrinkle.

Apply sunscreen according to the recommended dosage: Sunscreen is only effective when applied to a certain level. Generally, sunscreen needs to be applied at a rate of 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin to achieve the desired sun protection effect. For both arms, apply 2-3 grams each time.

Tips for applying sunscreen: Like other skincare products, sunscreen needs time to be absorbed by the skin. Therefore, apply sunscreen 10-20 minutes before going out. The purpose is to form a protective film between the skin and makeup, sunlight, dust, and the sunscreen itself. So, sunscreen can also be used before applying makeup. Even indoors or in the shade, ultraviolet rays can still be reflected from surrounding objects. Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet light can still damage the skin.

Protect your eyes from the sun in summer: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to cataracts, chronic conjunctivitis, and even corneal damage. Protection methods include wearing UV-filtering sunglasses with clear or dark lenses. Eye sunscreens and cosmetics can also prevent sun damage around the eyes.

Precautions before sun exposure: Avoid taking hormone-containing medications or saccharin before going out, as these ingredients can cause increased melanin production in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet rays. Also, it's best to avoid applying lemons, celery, or other fruits and vegetables to your face before sun exposure, as these contain components that can easily cause skin inflammation after sun exposure.

Skin care after a minor sunburn: Immediately after a minor sunburn, apply a cotton pad soaked in toner to your face. Continuously replace the cotton pad until your skin feels cool. Focus on the reddened areas such as the cheeks and nose; patiently apply the cooling compress. After applying the compress, moisturize with lotion and carefully care for your skin by applying cream or other whitening skincare products according to your skin's condition.