Choose The Right Sun Protection Factor

The sun protection factor (SPF) is a component which is able to absorb ultraviolet rays protecting skin from the sun’s damaging influence. The SPF number is always displayed on the package. It is usually differs from low SPF 5 - 10 to high 60 - 100 (SPF 100 is maximum).

If you intend to be in the sun more than 15 minutes a day (which is a safe time), it is recommended to use a sunscreen or a sunblock.

Choosing The Right Sun Protection Factor

A safe time of being in the sun is 15 minutes - when skin is not turning red. This time may differ from 2 to 30 minutes depending on the sun activity and skin specific conditions

What Does A Sun Protection Factor Number Mean?

To answer this question, multiply safe time of being in the sun on the SPF number of a product. For instance, 15 min x 20 = 300 min. It means that the safe time being in the sun with SPF 20 is up to 5 hours.

The SPF for every-day use should be higher than 20 when the sun is active.

There is a big variety of products with SPF on the market today: day creams with SPF, sunscreens and sunblocks as lotions, sprays, tissues.

It is recommended to use a day cream with SPF 15 and greater on an every-day basis. In the summer and in regions with high sun activities, SPF should be higher than 15. If your day moisturizer does not contain SPF, apply a sunscreen on top of it.

Check the label of sunscreens before buying, and find if a product protects against UVA and UVB - alpha and beta rays.

Liberally apply sunscreen on body and face so that it covers skin completely. If you not sure of complete coverage, apply it twice in the same areas.

The Ingredients Which Block UVA/UVB Rays:

• Avobenzone
• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide
• Mexoril SX

Look for one of these ingredients or their combination in a product with SPF. They should be in one of your products you use during the day: a moisturizer, a base or a powder. If not, use a sunscreen on top of your moisturizer.

Look for sunscreens without Oxybenzone like the following:

Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 plus

Badger All-Natural Unscented Sunscreen

Colorescience SPF 30

Try to use chemical-free Natural Sunscreens

Safe Sun Baths

Sun rays are very good for you in moderation. Sun helps body to produce vitamin D which plays an important role in bone formation, protection from osteoporosis, and many other health problems.

The best time for taking sun baths is in the morning - before 10 am, and in the evenings after 5 pm. If you on the beach or outside, remain in the shade or wear long-sleeve protective clothes during the time when the sun is especially active: 10 am to 5 pm.

A safe time being in the open sun without sunscreen is 10-15 minutes for people with light skin and maximum 20 minutes for those with dark skin.

If you are spending your day outside or on the beach, use a sunscreen after 10-20 minutes of sun exposure. Reapply your sunscreen after swimming even if it says that it is waterproof.

Additional advice is to drink a lot of water in the summer. Keep yourself hydrated.

If you want to achieve a smooth beautiful tan, always use a sunscreen after 10-20 minutes of safe sun baths. Start with a sunscreen with high Sun Protection Factor, and reduce the SPF number when your skin adjusts to it.

Any activities, such as playing ball, walking, jogging and so on increase the opportunity of getting a smooth tan. If you prefer a passive sun bath session, lay in a way that exposes the legs to the sun to achieve a smooth beautiful tan. Change your position every 10-15 minutes. Returning from the beach, take a shower and apply a moisturizing lotion on body.

Carrot, vitamin A (beta-carotene) helps to achieve a tan faster.

If you are using a self tanning product, you still need to use a sunscreen when you are at the beach.

If you get a sunburn, some oils, such as avocado oil, and sea-buckhorn can help your skin to recover. Alcohol, Aloe Vera gel, sour cream are also helpful in healing sun burn.

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