Sun Protection Tips Video

Protecting our skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays is absolutely necessary in the prevention of premature aging, sun damage, and disease. The application of sunblock and/or sunscreen every day greatly reduces these effects on our skin by creating a barrier against the sun. It should be repeated that sunblock is crucial during all seasons, sunny or overcast, during all times of daylight. Even if you are aware of all this already, you may be confused as to just what kind of sunblock or sunscreen to use and when to use it.  
     In this article, we discuss the how to choose the best sunblock for your needs.   Sunblock, Sunscreen, or Sun Tan Lotion - With all the sun products out there, it can be a little confusing as to what is what. You have three basic options when it comes to being out in the sun: sunblock, sunscreen, and sun tan lotion. Sunblock is the most potent of sun products in blocking the sun’s harmful rays from damaging your skin. It comes in a variety of spfs and is necessary for protecting your skin during the summer and for extended periods of time spent outdoors. Sunscreen is a lighter alternative to sunblock and lets a little sun in to help you get a tan or perhaps for daily use when you spend limited time in the sun. Sun tan lotion, lastly, is quickly becoming a less popular item as it offers absolutely no protection against the sun. Though it professes to help you get a tan, most sun tan lotions will also let in harmful UV rays-so that you receive the damaging skin effects as well.       

UVA and UVB -UVA and UVB are the two kinds of ultraviolet sun rays that-if not blocked-will damage your skin. Though it is good to block one of the two, it is necessary to look for sunblock and sunscreen that will block both. Both UVA and UVB are equally as damaging and will lead to premature aging, cancer, and other serious skin conditions if not properly protected against.

SPFs -SPF is used to measure the amount of protection you will receive with any given sun care product. The most commonly used-though lower and higher spfs are used- spfs are 15, 30, and 45. SPF 15 is what you will typically find in face lotion and/or makeup and can be used daily for limited time in the sun, year round. SPF 30 is for extended periods of time in the sun. Lastly, SPF 45 or higher is used most commonly for high intensity sun-i.e. while hiking or at the beach on a hot, sunny day. Most people use all for year round use-and it is recommended to do so.

Waterproof/Sweatproof -It is almost always useful to have a sunblock or sunscreen that is waterproof or sweatproof. It may be a bit more thick than a normal sunblock or sunscreen, but is absolutely necessary on hot days or when you may be swimming as it doesn’t wash off and leave your skin once again vulnerable. It is necessary to note, however, that waterproof and sweatproof formulas are not infallible and should be reapplied after sweating or swimming, as some of the product will wash and wear off. 

1) Use Sun block with a SPF of 30 or higher. SPF 30 provides protection for most of the day. For example if you get sun burn in 10 minutes, SPF 30 will protect you for 300 minutes. If you use SP 15, you will be protected from the sun for 150 minutes.

2) Make sure to use a broad spectrum sunblock. Broad spectrum sun blocks protect both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are present even when there is no sun and can lead to skin cancers. UVB rays are present when there is sun light out. People tan with UVB and UVB causes sun burn and also cancer if the skin in not protected.

3) Be sure to reapply sun block early and often. Water breaks down sun block even if the product is water proof. The sun will also break down your sun block over time. Reapply sun block at least once every hour if you are out in a pool. Be sure to use your sun screen daily.

4) Be sure to apply sun block even if you are just resting in the shade away from sun light. This is because UVA rays are present even when there is no direct sun light.

5) Be sure to avoid sun block that contain oxybenzone, a toxic sunscreen that soaks into the skin which might be a contributing factor to skin cancer. Instead look for sunscreen that contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium oxide.

6) Buy new sun screen every year. Most sun screen do not protect as well after 12 months because the ingredients start to lose the amount of sun protection that they can give.

7) Take a break at Midday. Midday or peak sun is also a good time to get out of the sun and take a break indoors. The sun is strongest at this point. The sun is strongest between 12:00PM and 3:00PM.

8) Wear UV sunglasses to protect your eyes, hat to protect your scalp and tight shirt to protect your body from the sun.

9) Take special care when going to the beach. Sun block may need to be reapplied more frequently since the sand and the water reflect the sun creating a stronger UVB ray. Higher altitudes also gives the sun more intensity.

10) Be sure to drink plenty of water. This keeps your skin hydrated and improves the protection of your sun block.

To view a list of the top 10 sunblocks click this link.