Research shows that sun damage is one of the primary causes of early aging. Sunscreen can fight against that by shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you’ve been failing in the sunscreen department, don’t worry, its never too late to start! Here are some basic tips to go by when selecting the right and most effective sunscreen for you.
KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS
Years ago, sunscreens were rated purely on their SPF (sun protection factor). The SPF indicated how well a sunscreen could block one specific cancer creating UV ray called ultraviolet B (UVB). Later, more research demonstrated that ultraviolet A rays (UVA) increase the chance of skin cancer as well. UVA rays are a little less direct in their damage: they don’t cause a sunburn but they penetrate the skin and cause wrinkles. Here are the ingredients you want in your sunscreen to prevent UVA and UVB damage: benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).
GET THE RIGHT SPF
The SPF is a rating that indicates how effective the sunscreen is at preventing UVB ray related sunburns. For instance, if you typically burn after 5 minutes of being in the sun, SPF 15 multiplies that by 15 to tell you that you can last 75 minutes in the sun before you’ll get burned. Most people will get a long just fine using only SPF 15. But if you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, opt for a higher SPF.
USE A SUNSCREEN THAT WORKS FOR THE ACTIVITY YOU’RE DOING
If you are planning a beach trip, you need a sunscreen that is water resistant. Sun screens are not water proof. Water resistant merely means that they will remain effective after 40-80 minutes in the water, depending on the type of sunscreen you get. After the time is up, simply reapply and head back to the waves!
ARRANGE A CONSULTATION
For more information on how to look and feel your best this summer, contact Alison Wellness Clinic today. You can contact our office located in Huntsville, Alabama by calling (256) 489-5748.