What to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen
As the summer months approach, it is important to remember the importance of using sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
However, with so many different types of sunscreen available, it can be difficult to know what to look for when making a purchase.
In this article, we’ll discuss the important factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen to ensure that you’re keeping your skin safe and healthy.
First and foremost, it is important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
The SPF rating indicates how well the sunscreen can protect against the sun’s harmful UVB rays.
The higher the rating, the more protection the sunscreen provides.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Next, consider the type of sunscreen you want to use.
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical.
Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the sun’s rays and converting them into heat, while physical sunscreen works by reflecting the sun’s rays off the skin.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and easier to apply, while physical sunscreens offer better protection and are less likely to cause skin irritation.
Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in the sunscreen.
Look for a sunscreen that contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, which has been shown to be harmful to coral reefs and can cause skin irritation in some people.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, consider choosing a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic sunscreen.
Look for a sunscreen that contains antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract, which can help to protect your skin from environmental damage.
When it comes to applying sunscreen, it is important to use enough to provide adequate protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using about 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover all exposed areas of the body.
Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
It is also important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant if you’ll be spending time in the pool or ocean.
Water-resistant sunscreens provide protection for up to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, while very water-resistant sunscreens provide protection for up to 120 minutes.
