What exactly is SPF ??

The biggest hype created by influencers on the internet with regards to skin care is of SPF .

What exactly is SPF ? SPF is sun protection factor

As the name states it protects your skin from the harmful Ultraviolet AKA UV rays of sun. Well our ozone layer filters out around 97% of the UV rays , but the remaining 3% is going be just enough to damage your skin. And this is where our friend SPF comes in.

Speaking of sunrays – they are divided into two categories – UVA rays & UVB rays

UVA rays are the ones that are most harmful and can cause tanning, early ageing of skin, wrinkles & fine lines

UVB rays on the other hand are the ones that are responsible for sun burns & in extreme cases, skin cancer.

Now the important thing to bear in mind is that no sunscreen is going to give you 100% protection. But that does not mean you should skip this step in your skin care routine. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen is the only solution.

Speaking of Broad spectrum sunscreens , you must have heard people ranting about these. But what exactly is it ??

Well to break it down for you ,

Sunscreens are majorly of 2 types – a physical sunscreen & a chemical sunscreen .

A physical sunscreen contains mainly zinc oxide . zinc oxide works by scattering the sun rays in different directions.

A chemical sunscreen on the other hand works by helping absorb the UV rays, and their may contaion oxybenzone, homosalate etc.

A broad spectrum sunscreen is when a physical sunscreen & a chemical sunscreen work symbiotically in order to provide 360 degree protection to your skin.

Want to know when & how to use sunscreen ??

Stay tuned for more