Lowdown on sunscreen
(Shanghai Star)
Updated: 2005-04-18 09:28

Some women spend money on anti-aging products and apply it everyday yet still forget to apply sunscreen, thus exposing their skin to the sun. The reason is partly because sunscreen products feel uncomfortable on the skin.

Most skincare experts suggest: don't forget sunscreen whether indoors or outdoors, sunshine or clouds.

Research shows that ultraviolet light exists everywhere. It is composed of 95 per cent UVA rays and 5 per cent UVB rays.

UVA rays, called the aging rays, can penetrate deeply into the skin and are thought to be responsible for skin damage, wrinkles, premature aging and skin cancer.

UVB rays are called the burning rays. They are even stronger than UVA. They affect the skin's outer layers and are the primary cause of sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer.

So if you fail to protect your skin from the sunshine, all the anti-aging lotions, masks and essentials will be useless.

The skin has a natural ability to protect the body from ultraviolet radiation. But with passing time, this ability gradually deteriorates.

There are a few essentials however, which will help protect your good health and your good looks in the coming summer.

Experts point out that on sunny days, it is essential to apply sunscreen products before going out. In summer, hats and sunglasses are also necessary.

Some areas of the body which are especially delicate, such as the chest, shoulders, lips, hands and eyes, need special protection.