Sunscreen Products
Over the past few years sunscreen products and the dangers of excessive sun exposure have been subjects that some sectors of the medical community have devoted much effort to in trying to educate the public. Of course in order to get the best results, it's helpful to know what these products are and what role they play in keeping the sun from damaging your skin.
There are so many different types of such products available on store shelves that it can be confusing or downright frustrating to find just the right one for your needs. For this reason alone, it is important to understand what sunscreen is and how to choose the best product. Simply put, sunscreen works to absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays before it can cause damage to the skin.
Most of these products contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which is a number that represents the amount of time you can spend under the sun before your skin starts to burn. SPF 15 is the normal number most people choose for their sunscreen needs, but if you are prone to sunburn or have a fair skin complexion, you may want to look into a higher SPF such as 30 or 45.
There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. It is important to know whether the sunscreen you're using blocks one of both of these rays. UVA and UVB rays both can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. UVA rays are responsible for causing premature aging such as age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and freckles, while UVB rays are stronger and penetrate deeply into the skin. When you suffer from sunburn that is the work of UVB rays. There are two types of sunscreens that tackle UV rays: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen products actually block UV rays from coming into contact with the skin and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreen products absorb UV rays but tend to only protect against one type of UV rays. Some products are now formulated to combine both chemical and physical sunscreen properties to protect against both types of ultraviolet rays.
Sunscreen products come in various forms, including spray, gel, cream, and lotion. It is helpful to choose your sunscreen based on the type of activity you plan on doing that day. If you are an athlete, swimmer, or know you will be sweating a lot, opt for a sunscreen made for athletes or that is waterproof. Need sunscreen for your children? Then choose a product that is specifically formulated for younger children. In order for sunscreen products to work effectively, it is very important to practice reapplication. The general rule of thumb to follow when it comes to sunscreen is to reapply it every two hours. This goes for children as well as adults.
Here are a number of brand products for you to take a look at...
