#SunProtectionSeries: Maximizing the Benefits of Sunscreen

 

July is UV Awareness Month

Did you know that July is UV Awareness Month? This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) light being the leading cause of most skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends the following #PracticeSafeSun steps to protect your skin:

1. Seek shade whenever possible.

2. Wear sun-protective clothing.

3. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

 

Key Considerations for Sunscreen Selection

 

In recent years, sunscreen usage has surged, becoming one of the most popular and frequently used skincare items. Sunscreen provides significant benefits, including preventing sunburn, slowing the aging process, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

 

However, these benefits can only be realized if sunscreen is used correctly and appropriately. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to understand how to choose the right sunscreen and how to apply it properly.

 

When selecting sunscreen, several important factors should be considered to ensure maximum effectiveness:

 

#1: Formulation and Ingredients

 

Sunscreens are available in various forms, including creams, lotions, and sprays, each suited to different skin types and preferences. The formulation you choose can significantly impact the product's effectiveness.

 

Cream-based sunscreens containing moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid are ideal for dry skin type. Water-based gels or lotions with ingredients like green tea, tea tree oil, and niacinamide are beneficial for oily skin type.

 

Read more:

My Sunscreen Collection and Essential Insights for Sun Protection

 

#2: Broad-Spectrum Protection

 

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which are harmful to the skin. UVA rays can cause premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures comprehensive protection from both types of UV radiation.

 

Read more:

A Guide to Safeguarding Against Harmful UV Rays

 

#3: Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

 

The SPF rating indicates how long a sunscreen can protect your skin from sunburn. For example, SPF 30 means you can be in the sun 30 times longer without burning than you could without protection. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily protection. For extended sun exposure, a higher SPF may be necessary.

 

#4: Water Resistance

 

Sunscreen efficacy diminishes when exposed to water. However, water-resistant formulations are designed to maintain their protective effects for a specified duration, usually between 40 and 80 minutes. It is important to reapply water-resistant sunscreen after swimming or sweating to maintain protection.

 

 

  From left to right: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Waterproof Sun Milk, Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk, Dr.Ceuracle Cica Regen Waterproof Sun

 

Proper Application of Sunscreen

 

The effectiveness of sunscreen also depends on how it is applied:

 

1. Timing: Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to fully absorb and form a protective barrier.
2. Quantity: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin, ensuring even coverage, including often-missed areas like the ears, neck, and tops of feet.
3. Frequency: Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
4. Daily Use: Incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, even on cloudy days or during winter, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off glass.

 

Storage and Expiration

 

To maintain the stability and effectiveness of sunscreen, store it away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Always check the expiration date and avoid using products past their expiry, as they may become less effective.

 

My Latest Sunscreen Purchases

 

 

From left to right: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Waterproof Sun Milk, Missha All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk, Kaine Green Fit Pro Sun, Dr.G R.E.D. Blemish Soothing Up Sun, and Dr.Ceuracle Cica Regen Waterproof Sun.

All are Korean sunscreens, SPF 50+ PA++++, lightweight on the skin, no greasy feeling, no white cast. If I have to choose a favorite among these six latest sunscreens that I purchased, it will be the Dr.G sunscreen.

My Recent Sunscreen Empties

From left to right: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream, Herbloom Calming Days Vegan Sunscreen, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum, Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen, Hada Labo Perfect Series UV Perfect Gel, and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics.

 

If I have to choose a favorite among these six used sunscreens, it will be the Round Lab sunscreen.

 

Overall, do your own research to select the right sunscreen for your skin and use it correctly so that you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy and protected.

 

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Influenza Vaccination

 

What is influenza?

 

It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus affecting the nose, throat and lungs. It may be mild for some but can also potentially cause serious illness.

 

How do flu vaccines work?

 

The vaccine helps in providing protection against flu illness, reduce its severity and risk of hospitalization. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. The current vaccine is a quadrivalent vaccine which protect against four strains. As the strains of the virus can change yearly, new vaccine is made to protect against the circulating virus based on expert advice. Hence, it is recommended to be administered on a yearly basis.

 

How effective are Influenza vaccines?

 

Recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by 40%-60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched those used to make flu vaccines.

 

Why do we need to get influenza vaccine?

 

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that may lead to severe illness and hospitalization, or even death. Studies show that vaccination prevented 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths in 2019-2020.

 

Who should receive influenza vaccine?

 

Everyone 6 months and above is recommended to get influenza vaccine each year. This is especially important to those at risk of complications from influenza like children aged 6 months to less than 5 years, pregnant women, patient aged 65 years and over as well as people with certain chronic health conditions.

 

Who should consult health care provider before receiving influenza vaccine?

 

• People with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS) or with history of GBS.
• People with severe or life-threatening allergy to any ingredient in a vaccine.
• People who had severe allergy reaction to previous dose of any other flu vaccine.
• People who are feeling sick.

 

Vaccine side effects

• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
• Headache (low grade)
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

 

These side effects are usually mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of flu.

 

Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu vaccine this year?

 

Yes. It is possible to get sick with flu even if you have been vaccinated (although you would not know for sure unless you get a flu test). This is possible for the following reasons:

 

• You may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in you becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect you. (Antibodies that provide protection develop in the body about 2 weeks after vaccination.)
• You may be exposed to a flu virus that is not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. There are many different flu viruses that circulate every year. A flu vaccine is made to protect against the four flu viruses that research suggests will be most common.
• Unfortunately, some people can become infected with a flu virus that the vaccine is designed to protect against, despite getting vaccinated. Protection provided by flu vaccination can vary widely, based in part on the age and health of the person getting vaccinated. In general, flu vaccines work best among healthy younger adults and older children. Some older people and some people with certain chronic illnesses may develop less immunity after vaccination. Flu vaccination is not a perfect tool, but it is the best way to protect against flu virus infection. 

 

If I had my influenza vaccine (Northern strain) within 6 months ago, can I get vaccinate again this month?

 

Yes, you can get vaccinated again this month even if you received the influenza vaccine (Northern strain) within the last 6 months. The influenza vaccine is typically recommended one (1) and up to two (2) doses annually because the immunity provided by the vaccine decreases over time, and the strains of influenza viruses included in the vaccine may change from year to year.

 

However, it is not recommended for you to vaccinate again this month if you received previous influenza vaccine in less than 6 months.

 

What is the difference between Northern and Southern strain vaccine? Should I wait for the Northern strain instead of Southern strain?

 

For 2024 - 2025, both Southern vs Northern strains are identical. So, it does not matter which strain you are getting during this season. Below is recommendation from World Health Organization (WHO):

 

 

 I just been infected with Influenza last 2 weeks. How soon can I get influenza vaccine and will it be effective?

 

It is recommended for you to take the vaccine as soon as you have fully recovered from the illness and symptoms. You might have been infected to one of the strains, but this vaccine would be effective and protects you against four strains.

Source: IHH Healthcare Malaysia

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