Protect Yourself with Proper Sunscreen Use

Did you know that….

Most people only apply 1/3 of the sunscreen they actually need?

90% of UV rays can still get through a layer of clouds, so you can still end up fried on a cloudy day?

Just because you are in the mountains and it is cold you still need to use sunscreen, UV levels increase by 4% every 1000 feet in altitude you go up?

1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime?

By regularly applying approved sunscreen products you can reduce that risk by as much as 80%?

UV radiation potency can be increased by as much as 50% by water or snow reflection?

Skin cancer is diagnosed more times per year than all other cancers combined?

Well, now you know, so it is time to protect yourself!

 

Tips for Proper Sunscreen Use

To allow for maximum absorption and protection apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going into the sun.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, more often if you are sweating, swimming, or toweling.

Remember the sensitive and often forgotten areas of your body – neck, ears, shoulders, nose, and cleavage.

Sunscreen should not be used on babies under 6 months old, keep newborns out of the sun.

Be sure to use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Rays and Ratings

Choosing a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen will ensure you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are believed to be those responsible for causing wrinkling and age spots on the skin. UVA rays are the ones that cause damage to skin cells. While UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburns, both play a role in the development of skin cancer.

SPF ratings are based on the percentage of UVB rays that the sunscreen blocks, for example:

SPF 15- 93%        SPF 30- 97%        SPF 50- 98%

While the differences appear to be very small, if you have fair skin or a history of skin cancer you should use the highest SPF available.

Another thing many people do not realize when it comes to sunscreen is that if you do not apply enough it drastically reduces the SPF ratings. The recommended use is 3 Tablespoons of sunscreen for each application, most people typically only use 1 tablespoon.

The sun is fun, and good in moderation as spending 20 minutes a day in the sun without sunscreen is a great healthy dose of Vitamin D, but just remember anything more than the 20 minutes and you need to be protected with the proper use of sunscreen.

We are now offering a full line of Sun Bum Sunscreen products to allow you to enjoy all the fun of the sun while still protecting your skin!