Summer and sun – they go together like peanut butter and jelly. This summer, make your skin your number one – keep it safe using sunscreen daily. This will help you avoid burns, new wrinkles and minimize your skin cancer risk. At the Graivier Center, we love your skin. Here are five must know sunscreen tips that will keep it beautiful and glowing – no tan needed!
- The sunscreen you choose is important. For broad spectrum protection, look for products that provide an SPF of at least 15, have both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection and contain ingredients like Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or zinc oxide. The SPF number indicates the extend time in the sun the protection adds. For example, if you’d normally get sunburnt in 10 minutes, an SPF 15 extends that by 15 times, giving you 150 minutes in the sun before burning.
- Apply sunscreen evenly to all uncovered skin at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Don’t neglect your face (lips, nose and ears), your neck, hands, or feet.
- If possible, go inside, or move undercover during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Remember that reflective surfaces (like water and sand) can increase your chances of getting burnt, and that you can still get too much sun on a cloudy or hazy day.
- Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life will decrease if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
- If you are on prescription medications, be sure to check with your doctor as some medications may increase sun sensitivity.
Sources:
Center for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov
Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/sun-safety-sunscreen-and-sun-protection
FDA: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049090.htm
