Credits: Image courtesy Lancome
If your like most people, warmer weather means more time outside to enjoy it. We all know that the UV in sunlight causes wrinkles, burns, spotting and worst of all cancer, the question is what are you doing about it? Hopefully, you are using a sunscreen at the very least. There are several points you should consider when buying sunscreen, but always keep in mind that NO sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, so be careful about those lazy days in the sun! Here are some points to consider when looking for a sunscreen:
1)SPF Factor:
You hear about this all the time with sunscreen, but what exactly is it? Sun protection factor-it's a measurement of the amount of UVB protection (there is no standard rating system for UV A). The higher the number, the greater the protection. It is NOT the amount of time you can spend in the sun. Remember, the fairer your skin is, the quicker you burn, so adjust your exposure accordingly. An SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UV, whereas an SPF of 30 blocks 97%. For most persons an SPF of 30 is as high as anyone needs to go.
2)UV Rays Blocked:
There are 2 main types of UV rays that exist is sunlight-UV A and UV B. UV A is what causes wrinkles, UV B is what tans your skin. You want a sunscreen that will filter out both. Some ingredients that do this are Mexoryl and Helioplex.
3)UV Reflecting and Absorbing Ingredients:
You want a sunscreen that contains certain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-since they reflect the best range of UV A and B radiation. There are also chemical blocks which absorb UV (instead of reflecting it), they are oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, avobenzone (parsol 1789), octisalate and ecamsule. It's best to get a sunscreen that both reflects and absorbs UV, however if you have sensitive skin, the chemical blocks in sunscreen can cause skin reactions.
4)Antioxidants:
Antioxidants such as Vitamins A,C and E, have been shown to help prevent wrinkles ands cancers by neutralizing free-radicals, so look for a sunscreen that contains them.
5)Water and Sweat Resistance:
Since you'll be sweating more and splashing around in a pool this season, look for a sunscreen with this label since it will maintain it's SPF despite heavy sweating and will last to up to 80 minutes in water (non water resistance sunscreens can last up to 40 minutes only in water).
Note: There are no sunscreens that are 100% waterproof, since all sunscreens come off to some extent, however if it's water resistant it will last a little longer than non water resistant sunscreens.
