Should I Apply Sunscreen Gel - Is it good for Skincare

Even if there is sun hiding in clouds, it can still harm your skin by penetrating from those clouds.

Sun gives us vitamin D, but still, it gives us tan, skin cancer, and much more skin problem, even the short term exposure.

You must have thought: Doesn't the body need the sun to create its daily dose of vitamin D? Does Sunscreen gel block its production?

Here's how to enjoy the benefits of the sun while limiting the damage to your health.

In This Article

• The sun's rays are needed to make vitamin D
• Day at the beach: Use common sense in the sun!
• How, when, and where to use sunscreen gel

The sun's rays are needed to make vitamin D

Your body itself synthesizes 80% to 90% of your vitamin D intake from UV B rays from the sun. The role of vitamin D is crucial for the health of your bones and your immune system, especially for protection against skin cancer.

Bad news: According to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the majority of Canadians have vitamin D deficiency. Lack of sun in winter and protective screens in summer. 

Although sunscreen gel based protects against sunburn during prolonged exposure. It blocks the production of vitamin D daily.

Good news: It is possible to supplement your vitamin D intake by intelligently exposing yourself to the sun in combination with a vitamin D3 supplement. Here's the exposure you should be aiming for:

• On average 10 to 15 minutes (maximum 30 min depending on skin types)
• Minimum 3 times a week
• The Best time to absorb UV rays: between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Minimally expose the hands, forearms, and face
• Without sunscreen gel on the skin

In its Sun Safety, underlines the consensus of experts to prevent skin cancer: “It is crucial to avoid sunburn, but not complete exposure to the sun!”

Did you know: Sunburn Causes And Its Effects On The Skin!

Day at the beach: Use common sense in the sun!

Although a short exposure is beneficial for your health, a long walk on the beach in the strong sun exposes your skin to serious dangers!

Prolonged exposure to the sun creates visible damage to the skin and other more vicious ones. UVB rays cause sunburns immediately and UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin in the long term.

What's more, when the skin is exposed to the sun for too long, too often, or too intensely, both types of UV rays create skin cancer. 

The incidence of melanoma (aggressive skin cancer) has tripled over the past 35 years and yet the general population does not seem to care.

This summer, enjoy the sun safely by respecting the following criteria:

• Cover up: a sweater for the shoulders, shorts for the thighs, and a hat covering the neck, ears, and face.
• Sit in the shade: avoid long naps in the sun at all costs!
• Plan your long outings in the sun before 11 a.m. and after 2 p.m.
• Avoid sunburn: when the first three criteria cannot be met, use a good sunscreen of minimum Sunscreen SPF 50.

Either way, don't go to the tanning salon thinking you're preparing your skin for the sun. You are only damaging it in advance!

By adopting healthy exposure habits, the sun will become your ally. 

How, when, and where to use sunscreen gel

For a sunscreen gel based to do its job well, it must be used correctly. Make sure that:

• Apply sunscreen every time your child is out in the sun. For best results, apply sunscreen gel 15-30 minutes before your child is out in the sun.
• Be generous when applying sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend applying one drop when covering areas of skin that will be exposed to the sun.
• Apply Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 frequently, about every 2 hours. Reapply sunscreen after your child has been sweating or swimming.
• Apply a waterproof sunscreen if your child will be swimming or in contact with water. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays; therefore, children need lasting protection. Waterproof sunscreens can last up to 80 minutes in water, and some are sweat resistant too. But even if the sunscreen label says its waterproof, be sure to reapply the sunscreen when your child gets out of the water.

Don't try to make sunscreen bottles last. Stock up on several at a time, and throw away any sunscreens that have expired or that you bought more than 3 years ago.