With spring right around the corner, the sun is going to start making its grand appearance. So what does this mean for our delicate skin? It means that it’s time to start thinking about protection from those sun rays. Throughout this blog, we will discuss the correct way to use sunscreen for these upcoming sunny months!

Ingredients

When choosing a sunscreen, taking a hard look at the ingredients is key. Many sunscreens don’t have all the essential components that are necessary to protect you from the sun. You should look for a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection; this ensures that you are protected from the burning and aging effects of the sun. A good way to know if it protects against both is to see if it contains zinc or zinc oxide.

SPF

When choosing an SPF you should aim for no less than 30. If you choose a sunscreen that has less, then you aren’t as protected as you should be. It’s also good to keep in mind that if you are choosing an SPF that is higher than 30, you still need to treat it as if it were exactly 30. This means reapplying it every two hours, especially if you are sweating or playing in the water.

Reinforcements

If you’re spending a day out in the sun, you shouldn’t be relying on sunscreen alone. While your skin is temporarily protected, there are other parts of your body that also need to be defended. It’s also important to note that sunscreen only does the bare minimum. Using a hat to cover your face and keep the sun off can be extremely helpful. You should also keep in mind that your lips and eyes need protection too. Sunglasses and chapstick are also extremely important when spending time out in the sun.

 

Conclusion

Without proper protection, the sun can be extremely dangerous; that doesn’t mean it needs to be our enemy, however. With the proper precautions and education, you can still fearlessly enjoy the sun this coming spring. Make sure you check the ingredients, stay smart about the SPF level, and bring out additional sun-shielding  protection to ensure a fun and safe time for all. For more skin tips check out our website!