How to Choose and Correctly Apply Sunscreen

Since the sunshine is out and about again, and thank goodness for it, we are getting a lot more exposure to it in our daily happenings. You do not get exposure only at the beach, you get it while driving your car, running errands, doing yard work, etc., so it is very important to stay cognizant of it and protect yourself from its damaging rays so that you can extend the time you allow yourself to be exposed to and enjoy it.

How-to choose the correct sunscreen depends on several things, your age, your exposure time, and where you will be applying protection.

A good rule of thumb is that the fairer you are, the higher the SPF on your protection should be. Also, if you are applying sunscreen to an infant or child, the SPF should be very high. Remember too, that if you apply it sparingly, you are reducing its effectiveness and hence in a sense, lowering the SPF number. If you already have tanned skin, are an adult and will not be in the sun for an extended length of time, an SPF of 15 or higher will suffice.

If you are going to be in the sun for an extended amount of time, always use a higher SPF to avoid burning and harmful rays. You can get harmful exposure even on overcast and cloudy days, so if you are going to be outside, slather on the protection. Skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are commonly linked to harmful rays from sun exposure. Know too, that if you are just out and about in the elements the cumulative affects and exposure of the sun can be damaging as well, so it is best to err on the side of caution and apply sunscreen whenever you will be outside for any length of time.

Where you are applying your sunscreen also will affect the type that you choose. For example, if you are applying protection to your lips, you do not want to use the type of sunscreen that you would for entire body coverage. If you are protecting just your face, you will not use the type you would on just your lips. Your lips are a common spot for skin cancers and yet they are probably the least focused on when it comes to applying SPF protection. You want to get a lip balm that has at least a 30 SPF and apply it liberally and always when you will be out of doors. If you are protecting your face, there are spray on, stick or lotions that are made specifically for this sensitive area, or you can use a moisturizer with SPF and it will be just as effective. If you are looking for full body coverage, you can get a lotion, oil or spray to do the job. None are better than the other, it is simply a matter of your preference. Today sunscreens come in so many different types: You can get a pleasant fragrance, no fragrance at all with non-scented brands, moisturizing, fast-drying, etc., so finding the best kind to suit what you are looking for or like, should not pose a problem.

Tips: Apply sunscreen liberally at home, just before going out, to all areas of skin that will be exposed to the sun, and then carry a trial or portable size sunscreen with desired SPF with you for reapplications and touch-ups as needed.

When you are applying sunscreen, be careful not to get it in your eyes, especially if you are putting it on an infant or small child, because it will burn. Make sure skin is dry before application. Put it on all areas that will be exposed to the sun, including your neck, ears, the top of your feet, and the palms of your hands. It is better to put it on prior to dressing because UV Rays do have the ability to penetrate through your clothing.

Reapply after vigorous activity or sweating, and once very two hours or so. If you or the person using the sunscreen will be swimming, make sure to get a water-resistant variety and reapply after toweling dry.

With a little common sense and knowledge, you can protect yourself from the damaging affects of the sun and still have a great time out and about in it, enjoying the good it has to offer.