Sun-Protection Essentials: Which Sunscreen Should I Choose?

Who doesn’t love summer? It is the perfect time for the entire family to soak up some sun and get a boost of vitamin D (a vitamin that the human body can produce when sunlight is absorbed by the skin) for healthier bones. Plus, the weather is warm enough to make splashing around in the beach, or the pool, a super cool bonding activity. But with the widespread information that UV rays are causing eye damage, skin cancer and suppressed immunity, where do you draw the line between what’s safe and what isn’t? More importantly, how do you protect you and your family’s skin from sun scares?

This summer (or whatever season), don’t hide out in the shadows. Enjoy the sun, surf and sand with these essential yet super practical sun safety tips:

Know Your Sun Vocabulary!

When people think of sun safety, the first thing they are most likely to grab is a bottle of sunscreen. Before you do, be sure you understand what you are protecting your skin from, and how.

There are three types of ultraviolet rays from sunlight:

UVA rays pass through the protective ozone layer of the earth’s atmosphere. Overexposure to these rays can cause premature wrinkling and aging, and may contribute to the onset of skin cancer. UVB rays are what cause sunburns and eye damage. These rays also suppress immune function, and contribute to skin cancer like melanoma. Unlike UVA, UVB rays are shielded by the ozone layer, but the ones that get through are still capable of causing significant health problems. The third type of sun rays, UVC rays, is the most fatal, but cannot harm your skin because the ozone layer can trap them before they even hit the earth. You need to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Sun protection factor (SPF) is a term you won’t miss on a bottle of sunscreen. NYC dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD reveals that there is absolutely no amount or brand of sunscreen that can completely shield skin from the sun’s rays. The numbers after “SPF” are based on the length of time before unprotected skin would redden. A person whose skin would redden within 10 minutes of exposure would require SPF 2 for 20 minutes of protection. If you are staying out in the sun for two hours, choose a sunscreen with SPF15. If you are spending the entire day outdoors, go for SPF75, or higher.

Facts: How to make your sunscreen work for you

1. Types of sunscreen: Unless you have an infant, you don’t really need two (adult and kiddie types). Choose a version for sensitive skin and a brand that’s fragrance-free and tear-free so that it can be used for the face. For very young children and babies, look for a sunscreen with titanium oxide or zinc oxide because these substances create a physical protective film to protect the skin.
2. 2. Where and when to apply sunscreen: Folks typically slap on sun protection on their legs, arms and backs, but miss a lot of other body parts that are prone to burning. Apply sunscreen on the face, especially on the exposed parts of the ears. Don’t forget the nape, neck, chest, feet, toes, and the back of hands. Most people apply sun protecting lotions as soon as they get outdoors, but experts recommend wearing some before you head out. Most lotions need about twenty minutes to be absorbed into the skin.  Only then will they start to work. Plus, if you’re out on the beach, slapping on some sunscreen on sweaty, slippery skin can be a challenge. 
3. 3. How much sunscreen and how often: the amount of sunscreen you put is directly proportional to its effect. Your entire body should consume a shot glass – full of sunscreen, whereas your child may need half of this amount. Apply sunscreen every two hours, especially for whole-day outdoor activities, such as a day at the beach.
4. When to toss your sunscreen: Don’t assume that last year’s protective lotion will work just as fine this year. Look for the expiration date of yours. Even when it has not expired yet (but it’s been open for several months), it’s a great idea to replace it with a new one.

Beyond sunscreen: Everyday natural sun protection tricks

According to a recent study by the Archives of Ophthalmology, excessive sun exposure may cause cataracts to develop. Sunglasses are a fashionable add-on to any summer outfit, but they are needed to shield your peepers from the harmful sun rays. It’s also common sense to avoid looking directly into the sun. Wear a broad-rim hat to keep your face and eyes in the shade. Even if you are outdoors, stay under the shade such as a beach umbrella whenever you can.

Sunlight is healthiest in the morning, but outdoor exposure should be avoided between 11:00AM and 3:00PM because the UV rays are harshest during these hours.

Darker clothing and tightly-woven fabric protect the skin better than light and airy clothes do. Beachwear manufacturers are now actively creating SPF clothing meant for an entire day of fun in the sun.

Finally, protect your skin from the sun’s rays by strengthening it from within. Eat plenty of foods that are rich in anti-oxidants. These delay aging and fight free radicals that can cause wrinkling and possibly cancer.

Dear Reader If You Like This Post Please Post A Comments