How to Choose a Sunscreen
The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun can be severe. One blistering sunburn doubles the likelihood that you will develop skin cancer. Chronic sun exposure can also cause premature wrinkling or age spots.
An effective sunscreen can protect your skin from overexposure to the sun, but with so many on the market, which sunscreen should you choose? The following tips will help you choose a sunscreen that is right for you.
- Check your sunscreen's SPF: Contrary to popular belief, the "sun protection factor" (SPF) number, does not signify how strong the sunscreen is. What it does is tell you how long the sunscreen will keep you protected. Multiplying the amount of time it normally takes you to burn by the SPF factor should give you the number of minutes that you will be protected. For example, if you normally burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure without any protection, a sunscreen with an SPF 30 will keep you protected for 300 minutes (theoretically). Even so, you should reapply often, particularly if you burn easily.
- Look for both UVA and UVB coverage: This means that the sunscreen will block both kinds of damaging ultraviolet light.
- Choose a sunscreen that suits you: Some of the heavy-duty outdoor sport formulas are stickier and smellier than daily sunscreens. Some sunscreens come in spray-on, roll-on, or stick formats. Some come with built-in insect repellent. Some even temporarily turn your skin a different color. Try different sunscreen brands to find the one(s) that is best suited for you.
- Apply the sunscreen generously: If you're using a cream, the amount of sunscreen you should use is about the size of a regular golf ball. Use more than you think you need.
- Start ahead of time: Ideally, begin applying sunscreen at least a half hour before you go out. It takes approximately 20 minutes for sunscreen to become effective after it has been applied.