Everything You Need To Know About Sunscreen This Summer

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Summer is fast approaching so you should start getting ready now. It’s never too early to have the best sunscreens available in your beach tote when you are ready to hit the surf and sand. Here is Sunscreen 101 – all the information you need to make the right decisions to protect your skin throughout the burning hot days of summer.

 

What is Sunscreen?

When you are out in the summer, you will need something that will put a barrier between your skin and the ultraviolet rays (UV) of the hot sun. The correct sunscreen will be able to protect you without any unnecessary side effects. Sunscreen is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it is available without a prescription over the counter.

 

What is the Best Kind of Sunscreen?

One thing you must remember to look for when buying the best sunscreen is to find one that has “broad spectrum” on the label. That means it will protect your skin against the two different kinds of UV rays. Also look for a sunscreen that has at least a 30 SPF and is water resistant.

 

How Much Sunscreen is Needed?

At least 1 ounce of sunscreen should be applied to the skin before exposing yourself to the sun. Make sure that you put your sunscreen on at least 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply it every two hours.

 

Are There Other Kinds of Protection from the Sun?

Here are additional ways you can protect your body and skin from the harmful rays of the sun:

  • Special swimwear that blocks UV rays
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • A large straw hat with a wide brim
  • Cover up with long sleeve shirts and long pants

There are 14 things you should know about sunscreen:

 

1. Sunscreens have not been proven to prevent cancer

Melanoma is one of the most severe kinds of skin cancer but even with sunscreen cases of it have tripled for the last 35 years.

Continue to Page 2

PrevPage: 1 of 3Next
//