Sunscreen et al

I was actively encouraged by my mother to start wearing facial moisturiser from the age of 16, applying to not only the face area but down the neck and across the decolletage area....as "people see that too ya know!". I think she was on to something as my skin is still kinda soft and mostly wrinkle free but I have taken her advice to a new level and added in some more modern thinking. Namely SPF.

I still use facial moisturiser on a daily basis, but it now contains a SPF of 15 in the winter time and 30 in the summer. (The rest of me is treated to factor 15, 30+ if I am actually sunbathing). Now I know that most of the world knows that they should be using SPF creams, especially on the younger ones, but did you know the following:

1. Not all SPF creams are created equal. Sunscreen should be protecting you from UVA AND UVB. Read the packaging as not all protect against both.

2. There are two systems of SPF labelling, American and European. Typically the American numbers are double that of European, so an American SPF20 is a European SPF10.

3. Sunscreen doesn't really begin to work it's magic until 20 or so minutes after application.

4. Don't trust/rely the SPF in make up. Just think of it as an added bonus to your regular moisturiser.

5. Don't believe that because it is cloudy - you don't need protection. Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate through clouds.

6. A shot glass of sunscreen is sufficent to cover an average sized adult for the day, not including the face. (take a shot glass out of your cupboard now and see how much that really is!)

I am sorry for the list making thing again but I thought that I would try to keep todays rant short'ish and sweet'ish - with a small parting comment on the varying SPF factors you can buy. SPF 30 is probably the best factor you can buy...not only does it rub in more easily than the higher ones, it blocks 96.7% of UVB rays. Not bad when you consider that SPF50 blocks 98% and SPF100 blocks 99%. Telling us that there is no 100% protection against the sun except maybe staying indoors and living the life of a hermit!