The truth about SPF written on the sunscreen box, is your cream really protecting from the sun or is it just a waste of money?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Most of us buy sunscreen from a good company in the name of skin care and think that now our skin is completely safe. But after a few days, complaints start that “I applied such an expensive sunscreen, yet the face gets tanned” or “The skin is getting darker”.

If this is happening to you too, then believe me, the fault is not in the sunscreen, but in the way of applying it. Today we will talk about those small but serious mistakes which we often commit unknowingly.

1. Being “miserly” is costly
Often we apply sunscreen in very small quantities like common fairness creams or lotions. Scientists believe that sunscreen protection works only when it is applied in sufficient quantities. Here ‘Two Finger Rule’ comes in handy. That means, the amount of sunscreen applied on your index and middle fingers is the same amount required for your face and neck. Applying less quantity than that is equivalent to not applying it at all.

2. Putting it in and getting out immediately
Do you also apply sunscreen just one minute before crossing the threshold of the house? If yes, then this method is wrong. Any chemical or physical sunscreen needs at least 15 to 20 minutes to form its protective layer on the skin. Therefore, apply it half an hour before leaving.

3. Once applied, is that enough?
This is the biggest misconception. No sunscreen provides protection for more than 2 to 3 hours, especially if you sweat or are in the sun. If you are in office or outside, it is very important to re-apply it every 3 hours. You cannot protect yourself from the sun for the whole day just by applying it once in the morning.

4. Just looking at SPF is not enough
Often we are happy to see ‘SPF 50’ on the can, but we should also look at the ‘PA’ rating. SPF protects us from burning (UVB), but the PA+ rating protects us from skin-darkening and wrinkle-causing rays (UVA). Always choose a sunscreen with SPF having at least ‘PA+++’ mark.

5. Carelessness indoors and on cloudy days
People think that if the sun is not shining or they are indoors, then what is the need for sunscreen? The truth is that ultraviolet rays reach our skin even from behind the clouds. Even the light coming from windows and the ‘blue light’ of mobile/laptop can take away your complexion. Therefore, staying indoors cannot be an excuse for not applying sunscreen.