Sunscreen

People is more conscious, and better informed today than ever before, about the damage that the sun can cause to our skin. But that doesn't stop us for laying down in the sun, and fry our skin, trying to get the fashionable and sought-after tan.

So, do we really care?

I don't know... but, like with many things in life, we have a choice, and if you choose to go out in the sun, you must know that the first step for protecting your skin from the harmful sun rays should be sunscreen.

Sun cream is you best friend against the sun, because they can block ultraviolet radiation, and in consequence your skin will be protected from sunburn, premature aging skin, melanomas... If you want to be well protected from uv radiation consider this when choosing one:

• Choose one that has a broad spectrum protection: blocks or filters out uva rays and uvb rays .
• Always bear in mind that the sun's rays are stronger with altitud, so you will need to use sunscreen with higher sun protection factor.
  
  
• People with fair or sensitive skin should use one with a higher SPF, than those with darker skin.
  
  
• It is a plus to use sun protection that contains not only a high SPF, but with added antioxidant vitamins like A, C and E to help fight free radicals.

By using sun block lotion you will be protected from the sun, and still be able to get a tan. Some are labelled as being water-resistant. These type stay on the skin longer, even if they get wet from pool water, ocean water, or sweat. But water-resistant doesn't mean waterproof. Water-resistant ones still need to be reapplied, so check the label for reapplication times.

The effectiveness of a sunscreen is reduced if it's applied incorrectly or if it's washed off, rubbed off, or sweated off. To make sure you're getting the maximum protection, apply an even layer, and reapply according to the directions.

They usually need about 15-30 minutes to soak into the skin before you go outside. Read the label to see how long you should wait. If the label doesn't indicate how long, wait 30 minutes to be safe.

Protect yourself with these suncreen facts:

• Avoid the sun, or seek shade, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
  
  
• Apply an SPF 15 or higher protection.
  
  
• Allow 30 minutes for skin to absorb it before going outside.
  
  
• Check the label and reapply sun protection according to the instructions.
  
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  
  
• Protect eyes with sunglasses that have a UV/UVB protection of at least 99%.
  
  
• Check with your doctor to find out if you’re taking medications, that will make you more sensitive to the sun.

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