#AskBarbie: Is it okay to wear cheap sunglasses?

Q: Is it okay to wear cheap sunglasses this summer?

A: Absolutely NOT!

Not all sunglasses are created equal. Some are made just for porma or as a fashion accessory, while some actually protect your eyes. Do not confuse dark-colored sunglasses for protection even though it offers shade from the sun. You don’t have to spend too much for a good pair of sunglasses but note that you shouldn’t scrimp on it either because cheap ones can actually hurt your eyes.

Soaking up the sun is everybody’s favorite activity this summer. But just as you would protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays using sunblock lotions, you must protect your eyes as well. Before looking at the design, first look at the UV protection a pair of sunglasses offer. Choose the ones that are labeled to offer protection from a wide spectrum of UV rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays. This includes those labeled as "UV 400," which blocks all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.

Now, why do I advise against buying cheap sunglasses from street vendors?

According to experts, dark-colored shades without UV protection can be more harmful to your eyes than not wearing shades at all. When you do not wear shades, you tend to squint and your pupils constrict, allowing lesser light to come in. When you wear dark shades, your eyes can see well, and your pupils dilate allowing more light to come into your eyes. But because it does not have UV protection, it also allows the harmful UVA and UVB rays to reach your eyes, therefore hurting you all the more.

Exposing your eyes to UVA and UVB rays may increase the risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and even development of ocular melanoma — a very rare type of cancer. So please go for fashionable shades but make sure it has UV protection.

Okay, well maybe the tiangge vendor tells you she is selling shades with UV protection but only for maybe P150. And you checked the label, it does say UV protection. Would you believe them? Honestly, if their supplier can imitate the designs of branded shades like those of Ray Ban Aviator and Wayfarer lines, they will have no trouble printing UVA and UVB protection labels even if it really isn’t.

So, to make sure your shades really have UV protection, better to purchase from trusted brands. Spend a little bit more and think of it as an investment. It gives you eye protection and they would last longer, at least five years.

But should you spend P10,000 and above for a good pair? Well I honestly don’t think you have to. Shades priced that expensive are probably luxury brands. And if you can’t afford them, don’t worry. You can always settle for branded shades worth P2,000 to P6,000 that offer both fashion and UV protection.

Rethink your choices this summer. Make sure you are cute but also protected.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to choose the right sunblock

MANILA -- Choosing the right kind of sunblock for your skin is important to maximize its benefits.

In choosing a sunblock, most people think that picking one with the highest sun protection factor (SPF) is the best.

"Usually the SPF we recommend is not lower than (SPF) 15. The higher you go, it doesn’t really mean na pantay 'yun sa proteksyon mo. SPF 15 gives you around 93%, and sa mga studies 50% gives you 95% protection, 2% lang ang itinataas," explained Dr. Cynthia Tan, a dermatologist in an interview on DZMM's "Magandang Gabi Dok".

Most products available in the market have SPF that ranges from 15 to 50.

Aside from choosing the right SPF, one should also choose a product that is right for the skin type.

Tan said a sunblock lotion is perfect for use all over the body. However, a sunblock gel is better for those with oily skin, especially if they want to use the product on their face, while those with dry skin should opt for sunblock creams.

To maximize the effect of sunblock, it should be reapplied every two to two-and-a-half hours, especially when swimming.

Physical, chemical blocks

Tan also explained that different sunblock products can either function as a physical block, or as a chemical block.

"Ang sunblocks kasi pwedeng chemical block siya. Ang chemical block, they use the chemicals. Ang chemicals ang naga-absorb nung rays. Ang physical kasi, parang tinakpan mo siya ng opaque material para mag-reflect na lang 'yung light, hindi siya maabsorb," she added.

Sunblocks with zinc oxide and titanium oxides function as physical blocks.

For Tan, sunblocks that function as physical blocks are better than chemical blocks, since some chemicals cause allergies.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com