Sunscreen Sunblock Spf
Women were smart enough to leave poodle perms and shoulder pads behind 20 or so years ago. These days it’s also smart to let go of the sun-protection advice we were given then.
Dermatologists say environmental damage during the past two decades has made it necessary for us to increase the kind of SPF we use. Twenty years ago, an SPF of five would have probably shielded us sufficiently from the sun but today we generally need six times that number to get the same protection. The reason for this SPF inflation is the depletion of the ozone layer over the last 20 years. There’s now less of a barrier between us and the sun, making it easier for harmful rays to damage our skin.
Summer Sums
The numbers on sunscreen packages range from SPF2 to SPF60 – sometimes more. They refer to a product’s ability to screen out the sun’s burning rays. This ability is calculated by comparing the amount of time it takes for unprotected skin to get burnt with the amount of time it takes for protected skin to get burnt.
To calculate the protection, multiply the time it takes for your skin to go red without sun block by the SPF number. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for your skin to turn red in the sun if you’re not wearing sunscreen, it will take about 150 minutes for your skin to turn red if you are wearing an SPF of 15.
The higher the SPF of a sunscreen, the more protection it affords and, therefore, the longer you can stay outdoors without damaging skin.
What’s your Number?
All skin – even dark skin – needs protection if you’re going to be outdoors for 20 minutes or more during the day. The only variable is how much.
We generally recommend the use of SPF30 or higher. We used to recommend SPF15 but, with the depletion of the ozone layer, we seldom advise anything less than 30. Those with very fair or sensitive skin will need a higher SPF while those with dark skin can get away with less. People with dark skin have an in-built SPF of about seven and hence have more protection from the sun than those with very pale skin. Also bear in mind, that certain medication can make skin more sensitive to the sun. If you’re not sure which SPF you should choose for your skin, ask a dermatologist.
Doubling Up
Sunscreens are not the only products with SPFs – various cosmetics also contain them. Most moisturizers and some foundations, lipsticks and glosses have an SPF of 15 while some moisturizers have an SPF of 30.
This doesn’t give you license to toss your sunscreen, however – it’s always best to coat dry skin thoroughly with sunscreen before following up with makeup or moisturizer at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
Remember that lips also get sunburn, so apply a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember, too, that applying sunscreen once may not be enough. If you’re outdoors you should reapply sunscreen every two hours – more often if you’ve been in the water.
Road Blocks
Although the harmful UVB rays – most commonly associated with sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer – are blocked by window glass, you’re still at risk of sun damage while driving a car, because glass does not keep out the UVA rays.
When you’re in the car, your face, arms and hands are exposed to sunlight. The UVA rays penetrate the windows because they have a longer wavelength than UVB rays. They also penetrate deeper into skin. This means that, although UVA rays don’t result in sunburn, the danger of premature ageing and skin cancer remains.
So make sure you look for broad-spectrum sunscreens – they will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Everybody is free Music Video (sunscreen)
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DERMATONE Extreme Sport Endurance Gel Sunblock SPF 45, 2.5 Fluid Ounce $5.00 SPF 45+ sunscreen that is waterproof, sweatproof and fragrance free with Aloe & Vitamins A&E…. |
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Sunscreen Lotion 1/8 oz. Packets – Box of 25 $19.79 Sunscreen Lotion Packets 1/8 oz. SPF 30 plus lotion, waterproof, and PABA free. 25 Per Box Usually ships in 5-7 business days… |
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Badger Sunscreen Face and Body SPF15 $16.00 Whether you are on the trail or in the lake, the Badger® Sunscreen Face & Body protects your skin from the blistering sun and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Safe for children of all ages, it’s a 100% natural, chemical-free sun block that also moisturizes as it protects. It’s a natural, mineral-based physical barrier sunscreen that uses the power of Micronized Zinc Oxide to protect and o… |