Journal

Back in IIT, one of my favorite Youtube videos (yes, watching Youtube videos was a thing in the 2000s) was Baz Luhrmann's Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen). While I am yet to gather the wisdom to deliver a commencement speech or advise other people on how to live life, but after spending a lot of time researching the benefits of sunscreen I can say that Sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare regime. If you had to use only one skincare product, please make sure it is sunscreen. PS: Aminu is soon going to launch a sunscreen.

 

Here are some of the key benefits of sunscreen:

1. Unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause skin cancer
2. Researchers have estimated that unprotected exposure to the sun's UVA rays, IR from hot objects such as the flame of a gas burner, or HEV ( visible blue and violet) rays from mobile & laptop screens - are responsible for 80% of skin ageing
3. If you are using leave-on skincare products with Vitamins or rinse-off products with AHA or BHA, your skin will need sun protection to avoid sun damage

 

Did you know? 

We are most susceptible to the sun's UVA rays and thus photo-aging while commuting. (Read the nerd corner below to get a quick overview of how indirect sun exposure can cause pre-mature aging)

 

Here are some pro-tips on how to use (and choose) sunscreen (or a sunscreen cream) that will help you maximize the benefits of sunscreen:

• Preferably use physical sunscreens that stay on the surface of your skin and do not penetrate the skin.
• Even if you don't venture out in the sun every day, still put a little sunblock on your face to protect yourself from indirect sun exposure and blue light from screens.
• Put sunscreen as the last layer of your morning skincare regime and ideally 15 minutes after you have put your morning cream/serum.
• If you use a day cream with active agents such as Vitamin C or B3, you may want to use an oil-based sunscreen. the pH of water-based sunscreen may not be compatible with the pH of Vitamin C, rendering both of them ineffective.
• If you step out directly in the sun for a longer duration, say at the beach or hiking, keep replenishing your sunscreen (PS: frequency depends on the SPF).
• Please do not step out directly under the sun for at least a couple of hours after using an exfoliating mask or peels. Click here for pro tips on exfoliation.

 

Let me put it differently. Dead and dull skin doesn't need any protection from the sun because it is dead!! Healthy and glowing skin needs protection. If you want to maintain that naturally radiant and plump skin (God gifted or result of a sincere skincare regime), protect it from sun damage by regularly applying sunscreen. Please, wear sunscreen every day even if you commute by car or stare at a screen for extended hours, and don't go out directly in the sun every day. Talk to us on our live chat or drop an email at care@aminu.life to know more about the benefits of sunscreen, photoaging, or sharing your reasons for using sunscreen. And if you are convinced, share the benefits of sunscreen with your loved ones.

 

Cheers, Aman

 

Nerd Corner: How does sun exposure cause aging?

Sun's UV rays that reach us consist of UVA and UVB. Both UVA and UVB created oxidants called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in our skin, which then break the collagen and cause our skin to wrinkle and sag. While UVB affects our skin only on direct exposure, UVA can also affect indirect exposure, such as commuting in a car. Here is a picture (PC: The Huffington Post) of a truck driver who drove around for 28 years and inadvertently exposed one side of his face to indirect sunlight for a long time. Notice the difference in his skin or left and right side to see what sun exposure can do to your skin. 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this journal are those of the authors and are for information purposes only and not medical advice. Further, they do not reflect the opinions or views of Aminu Wellness Pvt Ltd or any of its directors. Any content provided by the author(s) are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone, or anything.