What is Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) and UVA or UVB?
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
For a six billion-year-old star, the sun is certainly in the news a lot lately, mainly because it is still a source of uncertainty and confusion to many of us.The center of this confusion is the sun’s ultraviolet A (long-wave) and ultraviolet B (shortwave) rays. Our understanding of exactly what kinds of damage each causes to the skin, and how best to protect ourselves, seems to shift every year as new research comes out. For example, it was once thought that only UVB was of concern, but we keep learning more and more about the damage caused by UVA. And new, improved forms of protection against UVA keep emerging. Keeping up with these new developments is a worthwhile challenge that can help all of us prevent sun damage.
What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC, with UVA the longest of the three at 320-400 nanometers (nm, or billionths of a meter). UVA is further divided into two wave ranges, UVA I, which measures 340-400 nanometers (nm, or billionths of a meter), and UVA II which extends from 320-400 nanometers. UVB ranges from 290 to 320 nm. With even shorter rays, most UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth.
Both UVA and UVB, however, penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts), and skin cancers. They also suppress the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off these and other maladies.
UV Radiation and Skin Cancer
By damaging the skin’s cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identified UV as a proven human carcinogen. UV radiation is considered the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers strike more than a million and more than 250,000 Americans, respectively, each year. Many experts believe that, especially for fair-skinned people, UV radiation also frequently plays a key role in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which kills more than 8,000 Americans each year.
UVA
Most of us are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.
UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), but until recently scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) where most skin cancers occur. Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. (Basal and squamous cells are types of keratinocytes.) UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.
UVA is the dominant tanning ray, and we now know that tanning, whether outdoors or in a salon, causes cumulative damage over time. A tan results from injury to the skin’s DNA; the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to prevent further DNA damage. These imperfections, or mutations, can lead to skin cancer.
Tanning booths primarily emit UVA. The high-pressure sunlamps used in tanning salons emit doses of UVA as much as 12 times that of the sun. Not surprisingly, people who use tanning salons are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. According to recent research, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.
UVB
UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice, which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice. UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass.
Protection Daily from Sun Exposure for Healthy and Safe Skin
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Some experts claim over half of sun damage occurs during our every day activities – walking to the car, going in and out of buildings, walking along the street shopping, and so on – not while we’re sunbathing. Unfortunately, this means we should to wear sunscreen just about every time we leave the house. Most sunscreens are fairly toxic and organic sun care is blooming. More products are becoming available that are organic, natural and eliminate harmful toxins. This is great news for all of us especially our younger ones and babies.
Remeber organic sunblock is only one step you can take to protect yourself from the sun. Covering up can be just as important as the type of skin care or sun care product you use. The clothes we would prefer on a warm summer day – lightweight, light-colored clothing made with loosely-woven fabric – do not offer much protection. That’s why kids who swim with T-shirts over their bathing suit still get burned.
To completely block UV rays you need clothing with a ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of about 1700. A white T-shirt has a UPF of seven. The same T-shirt in green has a UPF of 10. A dark, thick fabric like velvet comes in at about 50. To reach 1700 you’d need a long-sleeved dark denim shirt. Not exactly anyone’s idea of fun in the sun.
The long and short of it is that while we may be willing and able to cover up with high UPF clothing in some circumstances, there’s no way that’s going to fly at the beach. So, you’re going to have to resort to sunscreen, and, to be safe, you’re going to need a skin care product that protects you from the sunscreen’s dangerous chemical ingredients.
How do you do that? Your first line of defense is natural sunscreen – check your local health food store. However, not all these products are completely toxic free so you’ll still some additional protection. Your best bet for that is a shielding lotion: A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that keeps out chemicals. It also locks in natural moisture – another thing you have to be concerned with when you’re out in the sun: sunburn equals dehydration.
Summer sun care can be complex but remeber its sunlight is good. Try to use organic sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and a natural after sun lotion. These natural skin care products can help you enjoy your summer without concern for your health.
Sun Protection and Sun Burn FAQ
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
1. “How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?”
The average user of sunscreen tends to use significantly less sunscreen than the amount required to achieve the SPF listed on the container.
2. “How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen When I’m Out In The Sun?”
Many experts recommend that frequent application during sun exposure is required. However, a group of children were tested by spreading on 1 application of sunscreen to one side of their bodies, and four applications to the other.
They then spent 6 hours in the sun. One application provided the same level of protection as four applications, confirming the adequacy of a single daily application of a sunscreen in that situation.
3. “How Long Before Sun Exposure Should I Apply Sunscreen To My Skin?”
As molecules of sunscreen are present in their active state in the sunscreen, sunscreens work immediately upon application. The only reason for application early is to allow absorption into the skin so that the sunscreen is less likely to be washed off, should the person be entering the water. Even so, modern sunscreens are quite resistant to removal from the skin.
4. “Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – What Is It?”
SPF is the ratio of the minimal ultraviolet dose required to produce redness with and without a sunscreen. For example, if it took ½ hour for your skin to become sunburned without any sunscreen, then for a sunscreen that has a 15 SPF rating, you could stay in the sun for 15 times longer (or 7.5 hours) before you get sunburned. This is provided, of course, that you’ve applied the sunscreen properly so that you’re getting the prescribed protection.
5. “Reactions To Sunscreens?”
Sunscreens can be both an irritant and an allergen, though allergic reactions are rare. Irritant reactions, however, abound. One classic error in sunscreen application is to put a large amount of sunscreen on the forehead. Perspiration and gravity can cause the sunscreen to migrate down your forehead into your eyes, causing a stinging sensation. Some people attribute this to an allergic reaction and discontinue use. It’s also important to wash your hands after applying sunscreen, since rubbing your sunscreen covered finger near your eyes can induce an irritant reaction.
6. “Why Is It Important To Use Sunscreens During Childhood?”
It appears that a great deal of time can elapse between actual sun damage and the development of skin cancer or other skin problems like photoaging. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin from an early age when you are out in the sun.
7. “Sunscreens And The Elderly?”
Many elderly people can become quite obsessed by sun avoidance, and their quality of life can suffer. Sometimes, if they are diagnosed with an actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma, they can become anxious and almost leap from shadow to shadow. However, few of them are likely to develop new skin cancers from present sun exposure. As long as they are prudent about avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting their skin to prevent sunburn, they can continue to enjoy time outdoors.
8. “Can Sunscreens Prevent Cancer?”
There is clear evidence that sunscreens are helpful in preventing actinic keratoses, which are warty lesions that can occur on sun-exposed skin of the face or hands. Research has shown that these lesions can develop into a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, and that this is linked to a cumulative exposure to the sun.
However, there is surprisingly little evidence that sunscreens have much effect in preventing another kind of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma, or for malignant melanoma. For malignant melanoma and for basal cell carcinoma, the character and timing, that is, the type of sunlight and your age at the time of the exposure to the sun appears to be more important than the cumulative dose.
Sun Care Anti Aging Facial Masks
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Facial masks are a very popular skin care product, especially as an anti aging skin care product. Herbal facial masks have become more available as demand increrases. You may or may not be familiar with them. If you have used them, do you actually know why? Perhaps you just use them because everyone else is. Perhaps you’ve never bothers. It’s time you learned what facial masks do.
The outer layer of your skin is actually dead. If your body is slow getting rid of it your skin will have a dull, aged look. Facials masks are an excellent way to remove the dead cells that make up your outer layer of your skin. But that’s just one of the things that a facial mask will accomplish for you.
A good facial mask will not only improve the appearance of your skin but also the health of it. It can make your skin texture appear brighter and more translucent. You know the skin you had when you were younger. It can clear up your skin, moisturize it, and keep your pores clear removing toxins from your skin.
Masks have the ability to cleanse deep removing dead skin cells and impurities. When you remove these, the moisturizer you apply after is absorbed better and so it does a lot more for your skin. It will help to rejuvenate your skin, making it appear more youthful.
Not all masks dry and harden but many do. That causes your skin’s blood vessels to expand which improves the blood circulation to your skin’s surface and that leaves you with a much improved skin tone, which leaves you glowing and completely refreshed.
Not all masks are created equal. Different facial masks serve different purposes. A full cleanse mask is great for oily skin or combination skin. It will draw not only pollutants but also oil to the surface and these will be removed when you wash your mask off. It will unclog your pores and remove dead skin cells, discouraging the development of blackheads. A cleansing makes will do a great job of tightening your pores and improving the texture of your skin.
A surgical face mask is medicated to deal with a specific problem whether it’s a rash, pimples, or some other skin issue including over sensitive skin. It can be used to control the spread of acne and to heal the skin.
There are masks for dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. There are masks to cleanse, moisturize, and freshen. There are masks to remove toxins and control skin conditions. There are just so many different types of masks. You can even make your own at home using common ingredients fount in your home such as honey, lemon, cucumber, oatmeal, papaya, and milk, to name just a few.
Spa style masks that you buy use ingredients like green clay, apricot kernel, cucumber, lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, mushroom extracts, tea tree, olive oil, honey, fruits juices, oats, and aloe vera to name just a few.
Now that you know what facial masks can do for you, it’s time to consider adding a few to your skin care regime.
See these wrinkle cream reviews of the latest wrinkle cream products at Marcus Ryan’s site, and see the best wrinkle treatment creams that work in just minutes! Plus find out how to get them as free trials to put them to the test. Are they really a face lift in a jar? Find out right here in this review site.
Facial Mask Treatments After Sun Exposure
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
In recent past years people have used masks as skin and facial treatment. Facial mask is a creamy mask applied to clean or smooth the face. It often contains minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts, such as cactus and cucumber. There are different kinds of masks for different purposes; some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores. The perceived effect of a facial mask treatment can be revitalizing, rejuvenating or refreshing.
Facial masks are most commonly used by women but are also used by men. Applying mask as your facial treatment should be selected according to your skin type:
For oily skin: use clay and mud masks. Clay is an important element present in the earth that can be mixed with water to form a smooth paste and thereby provide a smooth texture for the skin. Mineral clay heals, improves circulation and makes the skin soft and supple. Mud rich with minerals absorbs excess oil, cleans clogged pores and removes blackheads and deeply embedded impurities.
For dry skin: use cream-based masks. You can try masks made from clay added by honey, yogurt, or milk to smooth skin, moisten, and cleans pores.
For normal skin: choose mask made from oatmeal mixed with white egg and milk as your facial treatment to remove all the dead cells present in the skin and get soften skin.
For getting the best result of this skin care facial mask should used with these following steps:
1. Use mask after cleansing your face.
2. Avoid applying mask on the area around eyes and mouth.
3. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes. Remove with wet sponge, and wash the skin with cool water.
4. You should not apply mask as your facial treatment everyday. Apply it once or twice a week is enough.
5. Follow those steps with applying toner/astringent and then face moisturizing lotion.
You can do that facial treatment by yourself in your home. Besides for facial treatment, you can use mask as your body skin care treatment. Enjoy your relax time and get healthy, supple, and glowing skin.
Immediate Pigment Darkening (IPD)
January 19, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Star rating system
In the UK and Ireland, the Boots star rating system is a proprietary in vitro method used to describe the ratio of UVA to UVB protection offered by sunscreen creams and sprays. Based on original work by Prof. Brian Diffey at Newcastle University, the Boots Company in Nottingham, UK, developed a standard method which has been adopted by most companies marketing these products in the UK. The logo and methodology of the test are licensed for a token fee to any manufacturer or brand of sunscreens that wishes to use it, provided the products to which the logo is applied perform to the standard claimed. It should not be confused with SPF, which is measured with reference to burning and UVB.
One-star products provide the least ratio of UVA protection; five-star products are best. The method has recently been revised in the light of the Colipa UVA PF test, and with the new EU recommendations regarding UVA PF. The method still uses a spectrophotometer to measure absorption of UVA vs UVB; the difference stems from a requirement to pre-irradiate samples (where this was not previously required) to give a better indication of UVA protection, and of photo stability when the product is used. With the current methodology, the lowest rating is three stars, the highest being five stars.
In August 2007, the FDA put out for consultation the proposal that a version of this protocol be used to inform users of American product of the protection that it gives against UVA.
Sun Care Product Tips
January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
There’s a vast array of sun care products on the market today, all the sun care products may confuse you. A tan of any kind means that you have burned your skin and it is in the process of healing.
A sunblock is stronger than a sunscreen. A sunblock contains chemicals that block the sun’s rays by reflecting and scattering them. In other words, a sunblock acts as a physical barrier. Previously, only titanium dioxide was used; it was responsible for the white noses of lifeguards. Now, manufacturers distribute smaller particles of titanium dioxide throughout the sunblock so that it does not create a “white shield” or they use other ingredients that also effectively block the sun.
Sunscreens protect the skin because their chemicals absorb UV rays, thereby preventing them from penetrating the skin. UV rays are not visible to the human eye. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are recommended because they protect against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper than UVB rays and cause skin damage that results in premature aging and wrinkling. UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and long-term skin damage. A sunburn is usually a first or second degree burn. Protection from these rays is important as they can disrupt the skin cells’ genetic material and cause skin cancer.
Mists and accelerators can achieve a tan without burning your skin. You can do this by protecting your skin at the beach with a sunblock or strong sunscreen and then applying a self-tanner.
A self-tanner may be a spray, creme or gel. These products give you varying degrees of the tan you always wanted without harming your skin. These products are applied to the skin and leave a smooth “tan” in as little as two to three hours. A key phrase in the promotions of these products is “non-streaking.”. Be aware though that a self-tanner does not protect you from the sun unless it also contains sunscreens.
Choosing a Perfect Sun Hat for Kids
January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
We all know it is important to have healthy skin. Since more than 1/3 of all skin cancer appears on the face and the number one culprit for wrinkles and premature aging is the sun, wearing a good sun protective hat is a preventative measure too important to miss. A sunburn is never good , but remember sun damage is also cumulative. In other words, UV injury upon injury adds up over time to cumulate into major skin damage. The earlier sun protective measures are started, the better.
Let me say up front that kids can be tough when it comes to hats. Not that they are hard to fit but that getting a child to wear a hat can be a challenge. If you start them off wearing hats from infancy, like a car seat, they may come to expect wearing a sun hat is just a way of life. But even then, we often hear that most kids go through the “There is no way I am wearing a hat” stage. But fear not! As fellow conspirators in your child’s well-being, we think we may have some ideas that make wearing a hat fun!
So let’s start with getting a good fit, and we will end with suggestions that might help you get your children interested in wearing their sun hats.
Getting a good fit: The best way to get a good fit is the old fashion way of measuring the circumference of the head. For some of our hats we include age equivalents but beware! Head size varies dramatically for both adult and children with no regard to age or gender. We have seen 8 year olds with adult size heads. So measure around the head (above the eyes and ears… where the hat brim sits) with a soft measuring tape or use a string and then measure the length of the string to take the guess work out of sizing.
As we all know, kids grow at an alarming rate. Most of our hat measurements are within a range, but if your child’s head measurement is very close to the next larger size, you may want to consider choosing that bigger size.
Our brim sizes are all child appropriate, but you will most likely have insights as to the width of the brim that is best for your child. We would suggest you go with your gut feeling on this one, remembering that the wider the brim, the more sun will be blocked. Additionally, a brim with a downward slope will increase the sun protective ability of the hat.
Unless you know your child has a problem with a chin strap, we would suggest a chin strap to keep the hat on in the wind and when at play. If the hat you choose comes with a unwanted chin strap you can always cut it off or remove it.
So now, how do we get your child to wear a protective sun hat?
Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Young kids want to be like you … just like you. So, one of the best ways to get a child to wear their sun hat is to wear one yourself. Day in and day out don’t go outdoors without your sun protective hat and your child will get the message. And just think of all the benefits your own face will receive!
2. Talk to other parents about the benefits of having their kids wear a hat. Make wearing a hat the “IN” thing to do. When everyone else is doing it, arguments often vanish.
3. Here is our FUN idea – Have your child “design” his/her own hat, and maybe even hats for the rest of the family. Put out paint, fabric cut in daisy shapes, and other fun materials that could augment a hat. We even have a “Paint Your Own Hat” kit if you are tight on time. Another idea is to have a hat painting party and get everybody into it. I’ll bet you did not think sun protection could be fun!
Pick Up A Sun Visor For A Great Way To Protect Yourself From Harmful Uv Rays!
January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
A sun visor can come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Designed to protect your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays, these great looks in a sun visor will protect you and keep you looking stylish while you keep your beautiful skin free from premature aging!
The Adidas Grandslam Visor is a great option to wear when playing tennis or soccer to protect you from the sun and also keep you cool. Designed with X-Static antimicrobial silver fibers that conduct heat away from skin and ClimaLite fabric technology to keep you cool, this visor also has UV protection is built into the hat with an SPF of 25. The ClimaCool provides 360 degrees of cooling and increased ventilation. A great option to wear that will not break down despite multiple wears. The anti-microbial technology that this hat offers will extend the life of this visor.
If you are a lifeguard and need a sun visor to block the sun, but you also need some waterproofing technology, pick up the Nike Swim Lifeguard visor. This hat is constructed in 100% recycled Polyester taffeta. The lightweight and quick adjust back closure will provide a perfect fit and will not weigh you down when you need to think or act quickly. The sweat wicking technology will extend the life of this visor while the Dri-Fit material will dry quickly without staining and without damaging the fabric.
For a great look in a beach inspired visor, pick up the Sun N Sand Bayside Visor for only $10.95. This is a great choice if you have swim lessons for your children and you will be sitting out in the sun for a long period of time. This hat features a cotton crown to promote ventilation while the sewn paper braid brim also highlights a 4′ wide brim to protect you from the sun. A wide brim is a great option for those women who often forget to reapply sunscreen. This wide brim will keep you protected from harmful UV rays.
For a great hat to wear that also acts as a visor, pick up the Pantropic Packable Visor. This is a beautiful hat to pick up that provides 360 degrees of visor protection. Hand-woven in Ecuador, this hat packing perfectly flat in your suitcase and comes equipped with a 50+ UPF. A great option to take with you to a tropical island where you know you will be loafing in the sunshine for a few hours. The spandex headband fits all sizes comfortably while the 4′ brim provides optimal sun protection.
For a great look in a winter visor, pick up the Polartec Powerstretch Beanie with a visor. This hat has the fit of a skull cap with the benefits of a more constructed design. The sun shading visor at the front also provides the ponytail hole at the back so you don’t have to readjust your hair when heading out for your activity. This is great for those who live in cold climates and understand that you can get sun exposure from snow and sun as well. A great fit that will hug your head comfortably while keep you warm.
These great looks in a sun visor will keep you protected through a variety of activities.
Melanoma – Sun Care to Avoid Melanoma
June 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Melanoma 101
Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. Though it doesn’t affect as many people as other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths, reports the Mayo Clinic.
- How it occurs. Melanoma occurs in cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, which is responsible for skin pigment and helps protect against UV rays. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes produce more melanin, tanning the skin.
- Who’s at risk. The following people are at increased risk for melanoma and need to be extra diligent about sun safety:
- People with fair skin, because they have lower amounts of melanin and need greater protection
- People living in southwestern states where sun exposure is strong
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who have a family history of melanoma
- People who’ve suffered severe sunburn in childhood or recent years
Sometimes, these cells mutate, growing and dividing quicker than normal cells, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These cells clump together, forming tumors. If tumors are malignant, they can attack the healthy tissue. They also can spread and form new tumors throughout the body, which is common with melanoma — if it isn’t treated early enough.
Moles: Unusual vs. normal moles
You should see a dermatologist once a year to have your moles checked. In addition, keeping tabs on your moles is key to catching melanoma in its early stages.
Here’s a look at the differences between irregular moles (or dysplastic nevi, which can lead to melanoma) and regular moles.
- Dysplastic nevi can appear as a combination of tan, brown, red/pink moles and are often larger than 5 millimeters across, about ¼ inch.
- Ordinary moles are round or oval and have a concise edge that separates them from the rest of the skin. Dysplastic nevi have irregular edges and blend into the skin.
- Regular moles start as smooth spots on the skin and may become raised, creating a tiny bump. Dysplastic nevi tend to have a scaly, rough or rocky surface but also can be smooth.
- The typical number of moles is usually between 10 and 40 on a person’s body. Dysplastic nevi are found in large numbers (100 or more), although someone might have just a few.
- In men, harmful moles are often found between the shoulders and hips and neck and head areas. In women, they typically appear on the lower legs, shoulders and hips.
The ABCDEs of monitoring your moles
Here’s a quick way to check old moles that become irregular and new moles that develop, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, see a doctor immediately.
- A (Asymmetry): If you were to split the mole in two, are the sides unequal?
- B (Border): Are the edges of the mole jagged or blurry?
- C (Color): Has the mole changed color (i.e., has the color spread or darkened? Is there a loss of color? Does the mole have multiple colors?)
- D (Diameter): Is the mole larger than ¼ in diameter?
- E (Elevation): Is the mole raised above the skin and rough?
Sun safety
Use these tips to keep your skin safe from melanoma and other skin cancers and sun damage.
- Don’t tan outdoors or use tanning beds. Remember that any sun exposure is damaging to skin, so there’s no safe way to tan (including that “base tan”).
- Wear sunscreen every day and apply it correctly. Though everyone knows that sunscreen is necessary, the majority of people don’t apply enough of it or as often as they should — creating a false sense of security, where you don’t get the full SPF but think you’re protected. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully protecting your skin.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Use at least one ounce (a shot glass or two tablespoons) of sunscreen every time you apply.
- Reapply every two hours even if a sunscreen is labeled “water-resistant.”These sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Seek the shade. However, being in the shade should never substitute for sunscreen, because the sand and concrete reflect UV rays. The sun also reflects off of water and snow, so be especially careful around these areas.





