Fun in the Sun

Well, it's that time of year again to make a major investment - suntan lotion. Yes, I could buy some no name stuff at the five and dime, but being fair skinned I want more than just protection for today. I want to know my skin will stay healthy for a lifetime. I lived in Florida, and I saw what relentless exposure to the sun could do. Plus, my father had skin cancer on his face, and I don't want that experience.

This year, before I headed to Walgreen's to look over the various products, I decided to check out the web. I found an interesting quiz on the Neutrogena site. I thought I knew something about skin care, but I was surprised to find out that a white T-shirt only provides about six to eight SPF's, and that that SPF number is only in regards to the UBV rays. There are other spectrums of the light that are just as potentially dangerous.

I did know that a "base tan" does not keep you from burning in the future. I now live in Michigan and temperatures go from freezing to the high 80's in one day. The purpose for a base tan is so that the first time you appear in that tank top or spaghetti strap sundress, you are consistently tan all over and not sporting what we call a "farmer's tan." To combat this patchwork tan look, some people opt for tanning salons, and others use a "sunless" product. I just try to get out whenever the temps get into the 70's and enjoy soaking up that natural vitamin D after a long, sunless winter and spring. By time it gets really hot, I am satisfied to seek the shade.

But that is not always possible! If you want to enjoy the beach, the festivals, bike riding or other sports, you will be exposed to the sun. Oh! And the best days are the worst days! Days that are a glorious 75 degrees, with a cool breeze coming off the lake just make you want to stay outside forever. Those are the days when people with fair skin like mine can really burn, blister, or even contract sun poisoning.

So, off to the drug store I go. And why not? Suntan lotion is not only a cosmetic; it is serious medicine to prevent future skin damage. Having already checked out the Neutrogena web site, I was glad to see that Walgreen's carried a variety of skin care products by Neutrogena. Now, I am familiar with their Norwegian hand cream for the abuses of wet, wintry weather, but I have never tried their sun tan line. And I really want one product that I can throw in my backpack and have with me no matter want the activity. I live only four blocks from Lake Michigan so my sun tan lotion must be waterproof. I don't want to juggle two or three products, and not have the right one with me when I need it.

I finally settled on Neutrogena's Color Boosting sunblock. It has a SPF of 30, plus helioplex that provides a broad spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The product promised to provide protection while promoting gradual cover. I have been using it several weeks now, and I am very pleased with the results. My skin is turning an attractive, all over shade of golden brown without burning. The product goes on smooth and soaks right in, leaving a soft, not sticky feel. I'm ready for whatever sun and fun the summer throws my way!