Protection from the sun is a must for keeping you skin healthy. The most serious threat from UV rays is skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure and the occurrence of skin cancer is rising. It’s now the most common of all cancers and is occurring at younger ages. UV rays also damage your skin over time.
You may not notice it now, but in 20 years or so you will start seeing the damage caused by sun exposure. Skin becomes more wrinkled, discolored (age spots), and leathery. It looses it’s elasticity and sags more. Don’t think for a minute that only your sunburn will cause damage, because unfortunately even your beautiful tan is evidence of damaging sun exposure.
Sun Safety Tips
There are two Types of UV rays. UVB rays cause your skin to sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply, causing wrinkling, sagging and leathering (photoaging). Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting yourself. SPF stands for sun protection factor.
The higher the number the more protection. A SPF of 30 or more is recommended by most doctors. You should also make sure that you are using a broad spectrum sunscreen which offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
There are so many different sunscreens to choose from and which one to choose depends on how much time you are going to spend in the sun. If you are going to the beach, working or playing sports in the sun, you will want a water resistant sunscreen. If you are working mostly indoors a light lotion or moisturizer with sunscreen may be all you need.
How to Apply Sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen before going outside. It takes 15 to 30 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen.
- Make sure to apply enough sunscreen and rub it into your skin. Use about one ounce or a palm full to cover your body. Don’t forget your neck, ears and feet.
- When you’re outside for long periods of time wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your scalp, and sunglasses with UV protection for your eyes.
- Sunscreen is not totally waterproof so reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay in the shade if you can.
- Don’t use tanning beds. There are so many good self tanners out there for everyday use. Before going on vacation treat yourself to a professional spray tan.
Here are the best sunscreens for your face and body that you could buy right now.
For Face Protection Try:
Clinique Super City Block 40 SPF
This lightly tinted daytime moisturizer with sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It works well under makeup and its formula treats skin to a good range of antioxidants for additional environmental defense. Wear alone or as an invisible makeup primer.
Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25
This is a wonderful sunscreen for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. It has no chemical sunscreens which can aggravate your sensitive skin. It also has a yellowish tint which helps to correct redness.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Fast absorbing, matte finish. For normal to combination skin. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB with cell-ox shield. Provides UV + anti-oxidant protection. Very lightweight texture – almost like a milk. It doesn’t feel greasy or interfere with makeup. Good choice for oily skin.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra-light Sunscreen Fluid
A mineral sunscreen + antioxidant protection which is slightly tinted for a healthy glow. This is designed for sensitive skin and is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield™ technology. Feels lightweight and silky on the skin and also comes in a non tinted version.
Kiss My Face-Face Factor Face + Neck SPF 30
This applies like a moisturizer, has broad spectrum protection and is rich in antioxidant green tea and licorice extracts to help fight damaging free radicals. Anti-aging peptides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and linoleic acid helps decrease sensitivity to sunscreens. This fragrance free formula is water resistant and works great as a base under make-up.
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30
This lightweight formula acts as an anti-aging and corrective treatment, a primer, and an SPF moisturizer to smooth skin and improve visible signs of aging. Invisiblur features a unique soft-focus complex to immediately blur and correct. Mushroom peptides help combat the signs of aging. This invisible sunscreen leaves no residue.
Coola Suncare Unscented Face Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint SPF 30
This mineral face sunscreen contains broad-spectrum UVA/UVB plus environmental protection and anti aging benefits. The lightly tinted, unscented formula gives your skin an immediate line-smoothing finish while fighting free radicals and improving overall elasticity and moisture retention. Ideal for normal or oily skin. Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Dr. Dennis Gross Sheer Mineral Sun Spray SPF 50
This lightweight formula allows you to spray 360° to provide sun protection to all of your skin, even those hard-to-reach areas, with no residue or greasy feel. It contains only ultra sheer physical sunscreens—no chemical filters—in a water-resistant formula that ensures UVA/UVB protection after 40 minutes of activity. Can be used on face and body. To use on your face spray on hands and apply to face.
For Your Body Try These Products
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+
I love sprays and this one is designed to allow quick and easy application over large areas of skin, especially hard-to-reach areas. It provides you with broad-spectrum protection, while helping your skin maintain its beauty with its light, smooth, water-resistant formula. It feels comfortable with no stickiness or greasy residue. Easy to use it’s great for use on face, body, and even your hair for complete coverage.
SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50
For people with active lifestyles, this true broad-spectrum sunscreen is waterproof and sweat proof to deliver maximum protection during high-energy activities. Sport UV Defense contains transparent zinc oxide as well as other active sunscreens to help protect against damaging UVA rays proven to cause premature signs of aging. Good for normal to dry skin.
Ocean Potion Suncare Sport Cooling Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Contains skin nourishing Vitamin D3 and cooling menthol. Provides ultimate UVA/UVB sun protection. This non-greasy, fragrance free lotion feels light and is fast absorbing. Oxybenzone Free & Paraben Free. Good for sensitive skin.
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Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+
This lotion provides superior physical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It goes on evenly and feels ultra light. A blend of naturally-sourced physical sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) to give you protection that’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, oil-free and water-resistant—great for sensitive skin.
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