Guard Your Skin

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right sunscreen product—where you’ll be using it, what you’ll be doing, etc. Will you be vacationing in a tropical country, swimming, working out or sunbathing this summer? Depending on the answer, you might want to choose a waterproof product with a higher or lower SPF for your body or your face. Here are a few more factors to consider:

The right SPF: SPF is the level of sun protection in a product, usually varying between 15 (the minimum recommended level) and going as high as 75. The more sensitive your skin is to the sun’s rays, the higher SPF you should choose. For example, if it takes 10 minutes of sun exposure to give you a burn, using a cream with an SPF of 15 will protect you 15 times longer—about 150 hours—before you start to burn. But don’t worry; you can still tan despite wearing sunscreen.

PABA-free: PABA, also known as Para-Amino Benzoic Acid, is a chemical product found in certain sunscreens. It’s now considered a possibly allergenic substance, and used less often in sunscreen products. Check the label to make sure yours is PABA-free.

Alcohol-free: Sunscreen products that are oil-, cream-, or gel-based offer better protection and last longer compared to those with an alcohol base. Read the label to make sure yours is alcohol-free.

How do I apply it?
*Be sure to apply your product at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun; it takes at least that long for any product to penetrate your skin and start to work.
*Don’t forget to reapply the cream at least every two hours and especially after swimming or any physical activity.
*It’s better not to use a sunscreen product intended for the body on your face. Here’s why: The skin on your face is more sensitive than that of the rest of your body, so facial products are more appropriate.
*Be warned that wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean you can spend more time out in the sun! Sun protection products can reduce the harmful effects of UV ray exposure, including sunburn, but if you really want to reduce skin damage and the attendant risk of melanoma, then limit the amount time you spend exposed to the sun.

Protect your skin with…

Fresh Cooling Body Mist by Neutrogena

You’ll love the cool feeling and light texture of this sunscreen so much you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. This aerosol sunscreen has an SPF of up to 40.

KINeSYS Spray-on Sunscreen

Alcohol, oil, and PABA-free, the KINeSYS sunscreen feels light and dries just seconds after application. Plus, the SPF 30 version has a delicious mango fragrance. Also available in a 30 ml format that fits in your purse; now there’s no excuse not to wear sunscreen!

$14.99 (120 ml) at Mountain Equipment Co-op and other sports equipment stores

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