SUN SCIENCE
Sunscreen Facts
What You Should Know
Sun damage is the cause of 90% of the visible signs of aging.
Up to 20% of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate through your skin and damage it –– even if it’s cloudy outside.
Sunscreen needs to be applied to dry skin, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. It is a non-negotiable, no matter what the weather.
The sun’s rays are the harshest between 10am and 2pm.
Swimsuit season? Experts recommend applying one ounce of sunscreen when minimally dressed.
Be alert when around water, snow, and sand as they reflect damaging UV rays and increase the risk of sunburn
What are UV rays?
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin? That sunlight that hits it comprises two types of harmful rays: long waves of ultraviolet A (UVA) and short waves of ultraviolet B (UVB).
UVA rays penetrate deep into the thickest layer of your skin known as the dermis. When your skin is left unprotected, exposure to these UV rays can lead to premature ageing of the skin such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and fine lines, and can also hinder the immune system.
UVB rays, on the other hand, burn the uppermost layers of your skin. These rays are very harmful and often play a significant role in triggering skin cancer. UVB rays are most intense during 10am to 2pm, and can vary based on the season and location.
Best Selling Sun Protection
SPF 101
What is SPF and what does it mean? SPF stands for sun protection factor –– sunscreens are categorized based on their SPF, which refers to its ability to block UVB rays. It is calculated by gauging the time required to burn skin that is protected with sunscreen versus one that is not.
A broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended by experts, as it not only protects the skin against sunburn, but also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Using an SPF 30 or higher also helps prevent premature skin aging caused by sun exposure.
To get the most out of your SPF coverage, make sure to apply a generous amount on your exposed skin. One ounce is recommended to cover the full body. If you’re looking to cover your full face, then apply at least a quarter teaspoon.
Classic Vs Mineral: The Battle Of The Sunscreens
There are two kinds of sunscreen: classic and mineral. The main difference between the two is their active sun protection ingredients. Classic sunscreens use chemical or often known as non-mineral active ingredients that are crafted to absorb and dissolve UVA/UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use mineral or physical active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to help disperse and reflect UVA/UVB rays.
COOLA has both formulations, classic and mineral, which guarantee a broad-spectrum coverage and protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Digital Dive
The Other Truth
Light exposure goes beyond just the sun! Thanks to the digitally inclined world, we spend over 12 hours per day exposed to our screens in the form of a laptop, computer screen, or even our mobile phones, due to which we are exposed to more blue light than UV rays. Popularly known as digital pollution, the blue light emitted from your screens is equally damaging to your skin.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light aka visible light aka HEV, is the strong light that radiates from the screen’s of various gadgets. This includes mobile phones, computers, tablets, and TVs, as well as fluorescent and LED lighting. Blue light is emitted from the sun too, which means your skin is exposed to it indoors, as well as outdoors too.
Did you know that blue light can actually reach deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB rays? Yes, research shows that it has the strength to pass through the epidermal and dermal layers, and reaches the subcutaneous tissues (and possibly deeper too). It is even suggested that damage caused by blue light could even be at par with UVA and UVB rays, combined.
