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20 SEP 2024 BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE 4 MINS READ 194 VIEWS

Do I Need SPF Sunscreen From Head to Toe?

No matter how strong and healthy you are, no one is stronger than the sun. With a surface temperature of over 5,600°C, it’s fortunate that our planet is 152 million kilometres away from it.

Despite this distance, the sun can still feel intense on very hot days, prompting us to stay hydrated and reach for our umbrella and sunscreen, even if we’re miles away from the nearest beach. However, when applying sunscreen, many of us only cover the parts of our skin that are directly exposed to the sun, such as our face and sometimes our hands and forearms. But is this truly enough?

Understanding UV Radiation

The sun emits a large amount of UV radiation, which comes in two forms: UVA and UVB rays. A leading cause of skin damage, UVA radiation makes up 95% of the all the UV rays that make it to the Earth’s surface. It penetrates deep into the skin and can even pass through glass.

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Meanwhile, UVB radiation only makes up about 5% of the UV rays from the sun. However, it is very high in energy and can cause significant damage to the top layers of our skin. When left unchecked, UVB radiation can lead to skin diseases like melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

That’s why you need a reliable sunscreen like the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+, which helps block UVA rays and as much as 98% of UVB radiation. This high SPF rating effectively prevents skin damage.

With this in mind, do we need to wear sunscreen from head to toe? Is it absolutely necessary since we’re already wearing clothes that are supposed to protect us from the damaging effects of the sun?

The Limitations of Clothing in UV Protection

As it turns out, it is possible for UV radiation to pass through clothing1 and harm our skin from head to toe. This phenomenon has been closely studied by skin scientists and researchers, who have developed the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)2 to measure the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate certain fabrics and reach the skin. Unlike the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+, which blocks out 98% of UVB rays, a regular white cotton t-shirt may only provide a UPF rating of only 5, leaving roughly 20% of UV radiation passing through.

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This is particularly concerning in countries with hot and humid tropical climates like Malaysia, where many people wear light and thin fabrics to stay cool. In doing so, we trade some cooling comfort for a greater risk of skin cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is among the top 10 most common cancers in Malaysia3? To prevent becoming a cancer statistic, we must protect ourselves from head to toe with sunscreen, especially when spending a lot of time outdoors.

Addressing Common Concerns About Sunscreen

For some, applying sunscreen all over the body leaves it feeling sticky and uncomfortable, especially under clothing. While this can be true for most sunscreens, the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an exception. Besides providing strong protection against both UVA and UVB rays, this lightweight sunscreen features a fast-absorbing, non-sticky and non-greasy formula that’s suitable for daily use.

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In addition to offsetting the harmful effects of the sun, the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ contains Cica Complex Water and plant-based glycerine to help moisturise and soothe dry skin. It also includes Nutrilite-approved Green Tea extract for additional antioxidant protection and Rosemary, which is soothing for the skin. For those with sensitive skin, rest assured the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ has been dermatologist tested and allergy tested to ensure it is suitable for all skin types. Free from animal-derived ingredients, it is vegan-friendly as well.

Prioritise Head-To-Toe Sun Protection

You need to protect your entire body from head to toe and not just your face with sunscreen to safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation. With the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+, your skin remains healthy, moisturised and protected, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without a care.

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Protect your skin with the g&h Protect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+. Get yours from Amway.my today!


References:

  1. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/dress-to-protect-5-things-that-affect-how-well-your-clothes-block-uv-rays/
  2. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/
  3. https://www2.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/2012-2016%20(MNCRR)/MNCR_2012-2016_FINAL_(PUBLISHED_2019).pdf