The Doctor is In: Dermaction Plus gives us the lowdown on sunscreen
In the quest for eternal youth, we often focus on anti-aging serums, creams, and treatments, overlooking a fundamental skincare essential – sunscreen. While we diligently combat wrinkles and fine lines, we may neglect the most potent ager of them all: the sun. At the recent Dermaction Plus Weightless Wonder launch, Dr. Beatrice Chan, a board-certified dermatologist, shared valuable insights on sun protection, reminding us that sunscreen is not just an option but a daily necessity.
Dr. Chan kicked off her Sunscreen 101 lecture with a touch of humor, acknowledging the struggle of finding the perfect sunscreen. “We need sunscreen in our daily lives. Pero, the problem is, how do you choose the perfect sunscreen for you? Parang finding the perfect match lang yan, diba?” She then proceeded to debunk common sunscreen myths and provide essential tips for effective sun protection.
Addressing a common misconception, Dr. Chan clarified that “Does using sunscreen prevent tanning? Is it a fact or a myth? Myth.” She further explained, “So, sunscreens, by definition, only protect us against sunburns, early signs of skin aging, and of course, skin cancer.” To ensure optimal protection, she emphasized three crucial factors: “So first is, you have to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. When you say broad-spectrum, ideally, it should provide protection against both UVA and UVB. Next is, it has to be at least SPF 30, and finally, water-resistant. So water-resistant, by definition, is sunscreen that can actually stay effective 40 minutes or longer, even in water. Nakalagay pa diyan, fresh water or salt water, or while you’re sweating profusely.”
Regarding SPF, she explained, “Your SPF, or sun protection factor, is a rating system to assess how well your sunscreen can protect you against UVB rays. Pero hindi siya simple math. Hindi siya 50 plus 50 equals 100. Hindi ganoon. So your SPF 100 does not nearly double the protection of SPF 50. So, always remember that regardless of your SPF level, you still need to reapply every 2 hours.”
She also highlighted the importance of reapplication even when indoors, stating, “And of course, how about naman if you’re indoors? Like now, do you still need to reapply? Yes, but less often. So you can reapply every 4 to 6 hours. So mas mabilis naman siyang susunod din if ever.” She further explained the PA or Protection Grade of UVA as “a rating system to assess how well your sunscreen can protect you against UVA naman.”
Dr. Chan then pointed out some common mistakes in sunscreen application. “There are some common mistakes when it comes to applying sunscreen. What you have to remember is, the two-finger rule and you have to reapply every two hours when outdoors and every 4-6 hours when indoors. Next is, ‘yung commonly missed area, i.e. nape or batok. Nape or batok, you have to do your hands, feet, shoulders, and of course, your legs.” She also urged everyone, including herself, to let go of expired sunscreen, emphasizing “ako guilty ako dito. So guys, mag-let go rin tayo. Yung mga ayaw mag-let go, let go kayo dyan. Because basically, you can only use your sunscreens three years from the manufacturing date. Otherwise, kailangan nyo na talaga syang i-discard and i-let go.”
Finally, Dr. Chan categorized sunscreens into three types: “Basically, when it comes to choosing sunscreens, we have 3 types. We have chemical sunscreens which are more ideal for daily use because they have no white cast and they are lightweight, easy to absorb by the skin. We also have mineral sunscreens na kahit may white cast. They are actually more suitable for those with sensitive skin and certain skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema. And then finally, hybrid sunscreens wherein you get the best of both worlds. So one is, of course, you get the broad spectrum coverage of mineral ones and the ease of applicability of your chemical ones.”
Concluding her lecture, Dr. Chan stressed the importance of “even with sunscreen, you should still avoid sun exposure during the peak UVB hours of 10am to 3pm. And finally, don’t forget to wear additional layers of protective clothing like shades, hats, and then you can also use umbrellas.”
With Dr. Chan’s valuable insights, it’s clear that effective sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy and youthful skin. So, next time you’re looking for your perfect skincare match, don’t forget the sunscreen! Consider trying Dermaction Plus by Watsons, now available at Watsons stores and online. Your skin will thank you.
