Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of
15 or higher; use it regularly and properly
Sunscreens come in a variety of forms
including lotions and gels.
Make sure the sunscreen is labeled
"broad-spectrum" which means it protects against UVA and UVB.
Experts recommend products with an SPF of at
least 15. The SPF number represents the level of sunburn protection
provided by the sunscreen - a higher number means more protection.
It is important to remember that sunscreen
does not give you total protection. When using an SPF 15 and applying it
correctly, you get the equivalent of 1 minute of burning UV rays for
each 15 minutes you spend in the sun. So, 8 hours in the sun wearing SPF
15 sunscreen is the same as spending 32 minutes unprotected. For
high-glare situations, a higher SPF sunscreen or zinc oxide may be used
on your nose and lips.
Products labeled "waterproof" provide
protection for at least 80 minutes even when swimming or sweating.
Products that are "water resistant" may
provide protection for only 40 minutes.
Apply sunscreen generously to dry skin 20 to
30 minutes before going outside so the chemicals have time to absorb
into your skin. When applying it, pay particular attention to your face,
ears, hands, and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered
by clothing. If you're wearing insect repellant or makeup, sunscreen
should be applied before those products.
Do not use sunscreens on babies younger than
6 months. Instead, use hats, clothing, and shading to protect small
babies from the sun.
**Many hair care products also contain
sunscreen so be sure to read the label so that you can protect those
lovely, locks.
