We all love going to the beach, enjoying the sun and the beautiful outdoors. However, given the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, it makes sense to seek out the necessary protection means. If you want to stay safe in the sun and yet enjoy its beneficial properties, you have to use sunscreen. Otherwise, besides skin cancer, you may suffer from sunburn, premature aging and other similar problems. Let us find out more information on how you can stay safe in the sun, using sunscreen in an efficient and correct manner.
Sunscreen selection
How can you know if you have purchased a safe sunscreen? Well, all you have to do is take a good look at the SPF (sun protection factor). The higher the SPF, the better the protection against the sun is going to be. According to dermatology specialists, it is recommended that you purchase a sunscreen with SPF-30 or higher. In general, the sunscreen with a higher protection factor is indicated for the face, as the skin is more sensitive to the effects of the sun.
Broad spectrum protection
The reason most people purchase sunscreen is so that they do not get burned when exposed to the sun. Sunburns appear because of direct exposure to UVB rays, but not everyone is aware that the UVA rays can do harm as well, causing fine lines, wrinkles and age spots to appear. So, if you want to stay safe while wearing sunscreen, you have to choose a product that guarantees broad spectrum protection. In this way, you will be protected against both UVA and UVB rays.
Go for the water-resistant version
When shopping for sunscreen, you will see that there are regular and water-resistant versions. The latter is definitely recommended to those who like to spend a lot of time in the water but also to those who sweat intensively during the summer. Make sure that you check the label, so that you see how long does the protection against the sun lasts (in accordance to how often you come into contact with water).
Expiration date does matter
Each sunscreen has its very own expiration date. In the majority of the cases, such products are valid for about three years since the date of production. So, if you want to stay safe, make sure you check out the expiration date. Otherwise, you will expose yourself to unnecessary risks, such as allergies or skin irritations.
Always apply before the actual exposure
Unfortunately, most people apply sunscreen on their skins when they reach the beach or the pool. If you want to stay safe and protected against the sun, you need to apply the sunscreen before actually going outside. The active ingredients contained in the sunscreen lotion require about half an hour to penetrate the skin and actually provide the protection you are interested in. And, yes, the lips should be protected as well (it is recommended that you choose a lip balm with a high SPF).
Correct & efficient application
First and foremost, you should apply sunscreen in a larger quantity, so that you provide adequate protection for the skin. Second, you should re-apply on a regular basis, so as to keep the risk of sunburn down to a minimum. Keep in mind that there are certain areas, such as the face or the ears, that are more prone to sunburn. This is the reason why they need an efficient application of sunscreen. Also, be sure not to overlook the areas that are hard to reach. Just ask a friend to apply the sunscreen on those areas as well.
Children need protection as well
If you are planning on going to the beach with your little ones, you must remember that they need protection as well. It is also worth mentioning that they have more sensitive skin, so you need to purchase a sunscreen that is especially recommended for their age category. If your child is younger than six months, it is indicated that you avoid sun exposure altogether (hence, there is no need for sunscreen). Before you apply the actual sunscreen on the entire skin, perform a sample test. In this way, you can determine whether the child will develop an allergic reaction to the respective sunscreen or not.
These are just a few things to take into consideration when it comes to using sunscreen as a method to protect yourself against the sun. Always remember that the sun is more powerful in the middle of the day, this being the reason why the exposure in that time frame is not recommended. It is for the best to enjoy the morning & afternoon sun, as the effect of the ultraviolet rays is not as powerful then. As for the actual sunscreen, choose a product that suits your skin type.
References:
https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/category/sunscreen
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/5-best-sunscreens-that-we-are-still-not-using
