SUNSCREEN SAVVY

by Sierra A. Martin
8/11/2006

Although the sunlight is said to improve our overall mood, provided the needed vitamin D, and give us that sexy bronze skin that screams, “I’ve just returned from St. Bart’s”, the public perception is shifting nowadays towards the education against the possible dangers of over exposure.

The UVA and UVB rays are harming our skin.

The UVA rays penetrate deeply into the regions of the skin easily passing through all natural fibers and standard weaves. This ray is primarily responsible for the visible burn found on exposed skin and cover skin. In addition it is here that the sun makes its mark by prematurely aging causing a variety of condition such as wrinkling, age spots, and severe dehydration.

The UVB rays are absorbed at the surface of the skin and are also equally responsible for that seared skin. While both rays have lasting harmful affects the UVB rays are the beginning of the malignant tumors (also known as cancer) such as basal, sauamous cell cancenomus, and finally melanoma. In addition to the cellular damage that is caused the UVB rays have also have been known to significantly damage the body’s immune system.

What is the solution to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of the sun exposure?

The greatest daily advantage would be to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen. The term broad spectrum sunscreen refers to the protection for both the UVA and the UVB rays which are necessary to fully prevent skin damage.

Standing at the cosmetics counter or the local drug store, you will find a multitude of responsible sunscreens, but the challenge here is in choosing the most appropriate product for each member of the family. For instance fair skinned persons, hereditary, and amount of expected exposure are all factors in which to consider.

When choosing an effect product we much educated ourselves in order to make an informed decision. The shelves today are lined with a greater variety of sunscreen and have grown in scientific knowledge considerably over the recent years. Even our cosmetics today have the added advantage of sunscreen added to block the absorption of those UV rays protecting for the harmful penetration of that golden globe.

Along with the plethora of sunscreen products there is still more that we can do to further protect ourselves. Available today is a variety of sun protective clothing. These high performance fibers are a wonderful choice for fair skinned those who will be exposed for extended periods of time, and those with sensitive skin who may find the average sunscreen irritating.

While there are benefits to these highly productive, light weight, and breathable fabrics they are best warn in temperature generally not to exceed 85 degrees. In the past few years there has been a universal scientific rating system established so consumers no longer have to play the guessing game. You can locate the label either sewn into the garment or on a free hanging tag attached to the garment. Most sun protective clothing begins its protection level at about UPF 30+ and the sun block level would be at UPF 50+.

What is the benefit of sunscreen fabric? First while wearing the clothing item you will remain blocked for the duration even when wet. The average t-shirt we generally throw on at the beach when we feel we have had too much sun only protects at 50 percent when wet. Also the fabric does not wear off by means of sweat or require reapplication every 2 hour (this also includes the waterproof type).

These are just two options as you prepare for another day kayaking on the river, fishing at the lake, or headed out to the family picnic at the beach. Take along an ample supply of sunscreen to protect all the members of your family.

Summertime Sunscreen Tips

Apply 1 oz. (about 2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes prior to the suns exposure and every 2 hours of exposure, sweating, or becoming wet. Remember this is also necessary even with the waterproof sunscreen formulas.

Just because those clouds have appeared or you have found yourself shaded places don’t be fooled. You are still being blasted with nearly 80 percent of the suns rays and can still be leave dangerously exposed. Hence do not even think about discontinuing the use of sunscreen.

When the weather begins to turn cooler keep in mind the strength of the rays has not changed with the weather.

You should always apply a minimum of SPF 15 but anything over the SPF of 30 is simply adding unnecessary chemicals without much increased effectiveness.

Replace your family’s opened bottle each year as the exposure to air and temperatures will render you sunscreen less effective.

Don’t forget to protect the tips of your ears, feet, backs of the knees, and the neck areas when you apply your sunscreen.

When comparing costs in search of the perfect sunscreen, dermatologists agree sunscreens are effective as moisturizers in addition to the sun protection qualities.

Those individuals with freckles or other skin discoloring issues should use products containing soy and niacin.

The use of sunscreen containing retinol will benefit the reduction of wrinkles.

If you have normal to dry skin you will benefit most from creams and oils.

Those whose skin is oily should stick to sunscreens that are powers, gels, or sprays.

Keep in mind the cost of sunscreen may not be the most important factor rather the effectiveness of the sunscreen product you choose. You can find many name brand sunscreen products available at the local pharmacy for approximately $5 to $10 a bottle or at the cosmetic counter offering many times the benefits of the more specialized product range anywhere from $15 to $30.

Make sure to take advantage of the sales and discounts at the pharmacies.

We all love those warm rays and the energizing effect the sun leaves on us just let that be the only trace it leaves. Be faithful with your sunscreen. There are many people who love you dearly and the only tanned leather that truly looks good is the latest Prada handbag.

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