Summer Heatwave: Kaohsiung Health Bureau Warns of 3 Myths Undermining Sunscreen Effectiveness

(Central News Agency, reporter Cai Mengyu, Kaohsiung, July 9) With the recent high temperatures and heat, the Kaohsiung City Health Bureau stated that in the face of the "scorching" test of midsummer, people should not only avoid heatstroke but also pay attention to sun protection. Many people often have myths such as "the higher the SPF, the better," which can actually reduce the effectiveness. It is recommended to choose suitable products based on the nature of the activity.

A press release from the Kaohsiung City Health Bureau stated that southern Taiwan's summers are hot, and sunscreen products have become essential items for people going out. However, many people often have myths such as "the higher the SPF, the better," "one application can protect the whole day," or "sunscreen doesn't need to be removed," which actually reduce the effectiveness of sun protection and even increase the burden on the skin.

The Health Bureau stated that the "SPF" (Sun Protection Factor) on the outer packaging of sunscreen products mainly protects against UVB ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and redness, while "PA" protects against UVA ultraviolet rays that cause skin tanning.

The Health Bureau reminds that understanding the difference in protection purposes between SPF and PA allows for precise selection of suitable products. For general outdoor activities such as daily commuting and shopping, choosing products with SPF30 and PA+++ or higher provides basic protection. For activities such as long-term outdoor work, sports, or playing at the beach, higher SPF products can be chosen as needed.

The Health Bureau also recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapplying every 2 hours depending on sweating to maintain adequate protection. Before using a new product for the first time, it is advisable to perform a small-scale test on areas such as the inner wrist or behind the ear. After confirming no allergic reactions, use it over a larger area to reduce the risk of skin discomfort.

In addition, after using sunscreen products, it is essential to thoroughly remove makeup and cleanse according to the product's characteristics to prevent residual substances from remaining on the skin for a long time, blocking pores and causing discomfort such as skin irritation or allergies.

Facing the high temperatures has also driven the demand for functional clothing. Clownfish, a Kaohsiung-based apparel company deeply rooted in Taiwan's functional apparel market, has developed ultra-thin and ultra-fine functional fabrics tailored to Taiwan's summer climate characteristics. They have launched permanent breathable and sweat-wicking shirts, hoping to help consumers combat the hot weather with a lighter and more breathable wearing experience.

Xie Qixiang, the head of Clownfish, stated that the newly developed functional fabric is made of ultra-thin, ultra-fine fibers, possessing excellent breathability, moisture absorption, and quick-drying properties. It can effectively enhance air circulation, reduce stuffiness, and maintain dryness and comfort even when active in high-temperature environments, meeting the needs for summer outings, sports, and work. (Editor: Long Baian) 1150709

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