What Is the Best SPF Sunscreen to Use
Sunscreen, also commonly called sunblock, is used to block and/or absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is available as a lotion, gel or spray. Many sunscreen products are now waterproof and have long-lasting properties. Others will wash off and will need frequent application. Sunscreen is not a beauty product, but it is a necessity for healthy and young-looking skin.
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Significance
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Some of us are blessed with dark and thick skin. Others are bestowed with fair and light skin. Whatever type of skin you have, applying sunscreen will protect you from sunburn and help avert the risk of melanoma (skin cancer).
When to Apply
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Sunscreen should be applied daily to any part of skin exposed to sunlight. Don't let hazy days or thick clouds deter your from applying screen, as the sun's ultraviolet's rays are prevalent on the darkest of days. Some suggest that those who work indoors where ultraviolet lights are used also use sunscreen daily.
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SPF
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SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The strength of sunscreen is measured by its SPF factor. Generally, the higher the SPF, the greater the protection. SPF can rage from 2 to 50. Most dermatologists recommend a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Protection
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Unprotected skin can start to burn in as little as 20 minutes when exposed to the sun. When a sunscreen with the recommended SPF 15 is applied, skin will be protected 15 times longer (roughly five hours). No amount of sunscreen is a free pass to long sun exposure.
Warning
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More than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers occur yearly in the United States. Cancers of the skin are the most common of all cancers in the United States. The most important issue in the cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can be blocked with daily sunscreen use. Sadly, 70 percent of Americans do not use sunscreen.
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