(haipo) With rising temperatures and extended time spent outdoors, sunscreens are becoming an essential tool in maintaining skin health. A new information leaflet from the Ministry of Health, written in collaboration with skin experts and the Israeli Cancer Society, presents a clear picture: Proper use of sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of burns, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer.But how do you do it correctly? And what is important to know before applying the cream?
The Ministry of Health makes information available… and this time on the subject Proper use of sunscreens
What exactly is a sunscreen?
Sunscreens are external preparations, creams, sprays, foams, and more, that are intended to protect the skin from solar radiation. The clear recommendation: choose a product Wide range, which protects against both radiation UVB (which causes burns) and from UVA (which causes skin aging). In Israel, all protective products approved by the Ministry of Health provide protection from both types of radiation.
What is SPF and why is it important?
SPF – Sun Protection Factor – is a measure of the length of time a product protects against redness caused by UVB radiation. The higher the number, the stronger the protection. Ministry of Health experts recommend choosing a product with SPF 30 or higher, and ensure proper application to achieve the declared level of protection.
How to use sunscreen correctly?
- The preparation should be applied Before going out in the sun, twice in a row, to create an even layer.
- Recommended quantity: 5 teaspoons for children, 10 teaspoons per adult.
- All exposed areas must be covered, including ears, neck, feet, and lips (with a dedicated product).
- Needs to be reapplied. Every two hours, and after swimming, sweating, or wiping with a towel.
- Babies up to six months old, Do not expose to the sun at all..
- Babies six months of age and older should use a product specifically designed for babies and incorporate additional protective measures.
Both in the shade and in the clouds – the radiation is still here
Ultraviolet radiation is reflected from surfaces like sand, water, and grass, and even penetrates through clouds. This means that even on cloudy days and in the shade, you should continue to protect your skin.
Are skincare products with SPF enough?
Many makeup and skincare products contain SPF, but they often don't provide full protection. The reason: They're not applied in sufficient amounts, and sometimes they only protect against UVB and not UVA. Recommendation:
- Apply moisturizer.
- Wait for absorption.
- Apply sunscreen generously.
- Only then, apply makeup.
Expiration date – what is important to know?
Most sunscreens do not have an expiration date because their shelf life is longer than 30 months. Instead, they are marked "Good after opening", an open jar with a number of months (e.g. 24M).
To maintain the effectiveness of the product:
- Avoid storing in high heat, such as in a car.
- Take the product with you on every outing and use it consistently.
Sunscreen is only part of the protection.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that sunscreen alone should not be sufficient. In addition to applying it, it is recommended to:
- Avoid staying in the sun between 10:00 AM and 16:00 PM.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wear quality sunglasses.
- Wear long, protective clothing.
- Prefer staying in the shade.
Remember: Proper use of sunscreen is a simple and effective step to maintain skin health..
The information was written with the assistance of skin experts from the Israeli Cancer Society, Dr. Marina Landau and Dr. Felix Pawlotsky.