It's important to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns, premature skin aging, and skin cancer if you're going to be out in the sun.Whether you are going to the beach to swim or going for a hike, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine.It is important to know what type of sunscreen to use.You need to think about the sun protection factor, ingredients, and whether you need a specialty sunscreen for your skin or your activities when selecting a sunscreen.Factors like safety and potential toxicity, allergies to any of the ingredients, and whether the sunscreen you choose might disrupt your hormone balance should be taken into account.
Step 1: SPF 15 or higher is the highest level of protection against the sun.
Your skin gets exposed to a lot of UV rays when you go in and out of the sun on a daily basis.You can protect yourself from this type of exposure by using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.Minor daily exposure to the sun can be helped by a SPF of 15.It's not ideal for when you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Step 2: For extended stays outdoors, buy a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30.
It's important to give your skin more protection if you plan on spending time outdoors, such as going to the beach or playing a sports game.Pick a sunscreen that protects you from harmful rays.98% of the sun's UV-B rays are blocked by a sunscreen with a SPF of 30.
Step 3: Don't buy sunscreens that claim to have high SPF.
SPF 50-70 is generally better than SPF 70.Picking a sunscreen with an SPF of 80 or 90 may cause you to spend more money for a product that isn't really any better.The amount of protection increases slightly as the SPF numbers increase.SPF 50 blocks 98% of UV-B rays, while SPF 100 blocks 99%.
Step 4: Pick a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against different types of ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin.The broad spectrum sunscreen should be on the label.Different sunscreen ingredients protect against two different types of rays.A combination of several protective ingredients is needed for a sunscreen to protect against both.
Step 5: Choose between forms of sunscreen according to your personal preferences.
Sunscreens come in many different forms, including sprays, wipes, and lip balms.What type of sunscreen you use will depend on what you like to use.Use an SPF lip balm to protect your lips.Whatever form of sunscreen you choose, it should clearly state what SPF it is and how to apply it.Follow the application instructions for the specific form of sunscreen you are using, as well as how long you need to wait before sun exposure and how often it should be reapplied.
Step 6: If you have to, try a different sunscreen with different ingredients.
There are other types of sunscreen you can use if your skin reacts badly to the one you have been using.Pick a new product that has different ingredients than the one you have, because not all sunscreens have the same protective ingredients.Some skin reactions indicate that you need to use a different sunscreen.Many people have a sensitivity to a common ingredient in sunscreens.If you're sensitive to that ingredient, look for sunscreens that say "PABA free."oxybenzone can penetrate your skin and disrupt your hormones, so don't use sunscreens with it.
Step 7: Choose sunscreens that block the sun's light.
Physical sunscreens block and reflect the sun's rays, while chemical sunscreens protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.Physical sunscreens are less likely to affect your body chemistry because they don't get absorbed by your skin.Look for sunscreens that list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their primary ingredients.
Step 8: Don't let your sunscreen expire.
Before you use your sunscreen, make sure you look at the expiration date.Some sunscreen ingredients can degrade over time, and expired sunscreen won't give you the sun protection you are expecting.It's a good idea to buy a new sunscreen every year.It is required that sunscreen last at least 3 years.
Step 9: If you can afford it, choose a product that is right for you.
Remember that a more expensive sunscreen isn't always better.A cheaper product is more effective than a costly brand.
Step 10: You can buy children's sunscreen.
There are many sunscreens that are made for kids.These products typically have high SPFs, use ingredients that are gentle on children's skin, and are water proof.You can make sure your child is protected from the sun by choosing one of these products.Children's sunscreens tend to use ingredients that physically block UV rays, like zinc oxide, instead of chemicals, because they are better for sensitive skin.If possible, children under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun.Their skin can absorb more ultraviolet rays than adults', and it can be difficult to protect it.
Step 11: Purchase makeup that protects against the sun.
If you wear makeup all the time, consider getting some that has SPF built into it.You don't need to apply a separate sunscreen to protect your face from the sun.There are a lot of makeup brands that carry products with SPF built in, so check out what your favorite brand has to offer.SPF foundation is the most often used makeup because it is applied to the entire face.
Step 12: If you want to protect your lips from the sun, buy lip balm with an SPF of 30.
It's a good idea to apply some protection to the skin on your lips if you plan on spending an extended amount of time outside or just going about your daily life.You don't need to use regular sunscreen on your lips.Purchase a lip balm that protects your lips at the same time.SPF lip balms have different levels of protection.Pick one that has an SPF of at least 30 so that your lips are protected.
Step 13: If you will be in the water, look for a water resistant sunscreen.
When exposed to water, water-resistant sunscreens will hold up better than other sunscreens.Pick one of the sunscreens if you will spend a lot of time in the water.No sunscreen is completely waterproof, so it can't be labeled "waterproof" anymore.The sunscreens are labeled "water-resistant."Water-resistant sunscreens should state how long they will last while swimming or sweating.When judging when to reapply, take this into account.
Step 14: If you need a product for sensitive skin, look for one.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are sunscreens that block UV rays.These products block the rays and are not absorbed into the skin like other sunscreen chemicals are.It makes them good for sensitive skin.The ingredients used to make the skin look white have been greatly improved and no longer affect your complexion.