Posts Tagged ‘tanning’

Some Important Stuff About Sunscreens

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

by James Fraksburg

Sunscreens help protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Excessive and unnecessary exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 am to 3 pm, can cause some untoward effects on your skin. Sunburn and premature skin aging are two of the most common. But a scarier effect than those is skin cancer. Now that alone should make you go scrambling for some protection.

Even when the sky is cloudy, or even during winter time, UV radiation can still reach your skin. While it’s true that the amount is not as intense as during summer, still the skin may receive some damage. That’s why you need to protect yourself from this radiation, even during brief exposure to the sun.

A sunscreen may come in different forms, depending on where it is used and what it is used for. There are lotions, ointments, gels and sprays. But then there are also those sold as salves or sticks for use on the lips, eyelids and nose. Plus they also come in waterproof variants, which is good for use in and around water, such as at the beach.

When purchasing one for yourself, it’s important to take note of the SPF. SPF means “sun protection factor” and a number is written after it. For example: SPF 30 or SPF 50. Such indicates the degree of sunburn protection the item provides your skin with. The higher the SPF level, the greater shielding it provides against UV rays.

To get the most protection possible, skin care experts recommend application of sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. The reason behind this is to allow for the chemicals it contains to set on your skin well. Apply it liberally on exposed parts of the skin. If you don’t apply it liberally, you will not achieve maximum protection from harmful effects of the sun.

Also, don’t expect for it to keep your skin from UV rays all day long. For prolonged exposure to the sun, it’s advisable to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. This is because it naturally wears off, not to mention stuff like sweating or using a handkerchief. The same is true with waterproof ones – they should be reapplied after a specific period of time.

There are other ingredients that come with your purchased sunscreen. And some people may have untoward skin reactions to them when exposed to the sun. Try applying your purchased product to a small section of skin first, then expose it under the sun. If redness or itching occurs, you should try using a different product.

Aside from applying sunscreen, there are also other ways to protect your skin from UV radiation. You can wear dark sunglasses, a sun visor or wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. For your arms and legs, put on long-sleeved shirts and long skirts or pants. Using an umbrella is also a good idea.

Minimizing or restricting exposure to intense sunlight still is the best step to take. However, if that’s not possible, apply sunscreen. By using sunscreens, you can protect your skin from premature aging and getting sunburned. And more importantly, you will minimize your risk for getting skin cancer.

Check into the best sunscreen to use for your protection. Go online and read about the many sunscreens that you have to look into. Get the best one now online.

Sunscreens Can Aid In Avoiding Sun Damage

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

by James Fraksburg

Years ago the fashionable trend was to get a rich, dark tan. Baby oil was a favorite to use to get a good tan. No real thought was given to the possibility of a tan causing any problems. Fortunately, in our world today, almost everyone is aware of the dangers of getting a tan. An excellent way to protect yourself is to use effective sunscreens.

Sunscreens were developed to provide sun protection. Both UVA and UVB rays from the sun can be dangerous. Although UVB ray damage is more noticeable because it causes a burn or rash, UVA rays can be just as damaging.

Sun protection comes in various types. Everything from creams, ointments, lotions, sprays, and even certain waxes can all be used. Some are better than other for certain areas of the body, so be sure to use the type(s) that will give you the most protection. The types of protection should all have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor). This can range anywhere from 15 up. Usually at least a 30 SPF should be applied. Some sun protections only fight against one of the types of sun rays. A broad spectrum lotion, will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

For the protection to be effective, the lotions, creams, etc. Must be used properly. They should be applied at least 30 minutes before you will be exposed to the sun. They will need to be reapplied at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating, or drying off. Even if they are labeled as water-resistant, they should still be reapplied in this manner. In general, you should use at least an ounce of the product at each application. Make sure the product is spread evenly over your skin for the best protection. Even if you use the popular self-tanners that are available, you will still need to apply sun protection.

Wrinkles are almost always caused by sun damage. Skin cancers can also occur over time with its damage. Using appropriate sun protection can help you to avoid these things.

Using topical sun protection can inhibit your absorption of vitamin d that is normally gained from sun exposure. Other ways should be found to get this important vitamin in your system. Although some people believe that they are safe using tanning beds instead of lying in the sun, the tanning beds can cause just as much damage and harm as direct sun exposure.

Make sure your sun protection is still good. Check the container for its expiration date. Water, sand, and snow all reflect the rays of the sun, so do not forget your sun protection when exposed to these. Also, just because a day is cloudy, you can still suffer damage from the sun.

Using sunscreen will definitely help to prevent some of the damage from the sun. However, there are other things that you can do. Wearing UV sunglasses is a good way to help protect your eyes. Avoid being outside between 10 and 4 each day, as this is when the sun can cause the worst damage. Go to shady areas whenever possible. Use clothing to protect your skin. Some detergents now are made with formulas that can aid in sun protection. Even a big hat can give you some protection. For babies, it is not recommended to use topical sun protectors on a child less than six month old. Make sure they are kept in shady areas and are covered and protected as much as possible from the sun.

Using sunscreens is an effective way to protect yourself from the sun. Using it, along with avoiding sunlight as much as possible will help in your fight against sun damage.

There is absolutely no doubting the fact that an excellent way to protect yourself is to use effective sunscreens. We have got the inside info on the best sunscreen available.

Who Should Wear Sunscreens And Why?

Monday, January 25th, 2010

by Phil Zertisky

Simply put, everybody should! Not all skin is the same. The amount of pigment in the skin varies from person to person. That is why some people will have higher sensitivity to the sun and burn easily, and never tan. Some people will experience a little bit of tanning but a lot of burning. Then there are those who tan easily and quickly yet rarely burn. It seems to make sense that for those who are not as sun-sensitive there should be less worry about sun exposure. Unfortunately that is not the case. While some people are not prone to sunburns, they are still at risk of developing melanoma, the most prevalent form of skin cancer. Nobody is immune to the risk and everyone should wear sunscreens!

This is because it isn’t only the sunburn itself that causes melanoma; it is the UVA and UVB ray exposure that causes the problem. So what are UVA and UVB rays? These are the two harmful types of ultra-violet rays in sunlight. UVA rays penetrate the deep layers of the skin and hinder the immune system and its ability to fight off skin cancer. The UVB rays are those that cause the skin to burn. This is a great strain on the body as it has to repair all the cells damaged by the burn. Between the two rays and their harmful effects, sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.

Just because you aren’t actually burning, the risk is still there. Every time you are exposed to the sun, you are exposed to these ultra-violet rays. Sunscreens are made to block out the UVA and UVB rays. Applying a sun block is important no matter how much time you will be spent in the sun, not just if you plan to be outside for a long time or lying at the beach.

Even just a few minutes in the sun increases the risk; just walking from and back to your car counts! Believe it or not, sun exposure is even a risk when you are inside. This is because unlike UVB rays that cannot penetrate glass, UVA rays are not blocked out by glass.

Have you ever seen someone who has one arm tan and the other isn’t? Even people whose sunburns don’t turn to tan will experience this. They may laugh and call it “driver’s arm.” That is because through the car window, they will not get burned by the UVB rays, but they will be exposed to the harmful UVA rays.

Sunscreens are given an ‘SPF’ rating. What is SPF? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number compares the amount of time a person will burn with the sunscreen as opposed to without it. It only refers to the amount of time it will take to burn. For example, let’s look at SPF 10. This means that a person who would normally burn in 10 minutes, will burn in 10x that time, or 100 minutes (a little over an hour and a half.)

So how do you select a sunscreen? Look for products that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Key ingredients you will want in your sunscreen are: Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Ecamsule, Menthyl anthranilate, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl salicylate, Oxybenzone, Sulisobenzone, Titanium dioxide, or Zinc oxide.

Doing all you can to avoid sun exposure is pivotal to lowering the risk of skin cancers. It is best to wear a hat, keep your skin covered and try to find shade when you can! For times when you can’t, wear sunscreens!

When you go outside into the sun for a long period of time, make sure you apply sunscreen. Sunscreens will help protect the skin. Remember to research it and find the best for the ultimate protection from the sun.

Why You Should Purchase Sunscreens

Monday, January 18th, 2010

by Jake Zertosky

The sun gives off damaging ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and cancer. The best way to protect from them is to use sunscreen as part of your skin care method. Damage from the sun causes premature aging as well. There are many different brands on the market.

The rays that are cancer causing are UVB and UVA rays. Skin cancer is the number one form of cancer in the U. S. Today, with over a million cases reported every year. UVR damages the layers of skin and dries it out, and repeated exposures can cause liver spots. The skin’s supple appearance is compromised.

Sunscreens with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher will do the best job protecting against the sun’s harmful rays. Many moisturizers and after shave lotions contain sunscreen and are good enough for every day protection.

Sun damage also causes wrinkles and sagging and advanced aging to the skin. It is under the layers of skin so cannot be seen and the damage is not known until well later on. The skin can look weathered and aged from too much sun.

Photoaging causes lines around the eyes and once it has damaged the skin is hard to combat and revers. The best thing is to not have sun damage in the first place. Laser surgery and creams are also options.

It is recommended that all adults wear sunscreen except for children under six, who should not have prolonged sun exposure. Even on an overcast day the sun can still do damage. Sunscreen should always be reapplied after swimming or when sweating heavily.

If you like to tan and don’t burn and still want to be in the sun yet tan, try to at least use a tanner that has sunscreen in it. This way you’ll still get tan but the most harmful rays will be blocked. It just takes a little longer for the skin to tan with this applied. There are also self tanning sprays and lotions that don’t leave the skin orange.

A self tanning product is low risk and dyes the top layer of skin only. The worst that can happen is an allergic reaction or a rash. Some self tanners contain SPF, so be sure to at least have an SPF of 15 to have maximum protection.

Some sunscreens have more protection than others and are better at protecting from the UV rays. There is even a product on the market now that is supposed to deflect the sun by one hundred percent. Be sure to always check labels before buying so you know what level of protection you’re getting.

Either way it’s always smart to wear some type of sunblock, lotion or sunscreen in the sun before venturing out for prolonged exposure. Besides resisting sun damage your skin will look better in the long run. Be sure to always use sunscreen when on the beach, boat or swimming especially, and to reapply after activities to make sure you have maximum protection.

Using sunscreen is an essential part of a skin care regimen. It helps protect from the sun’s dangerous ultra-violet (UV) rays while protecting against sunburn. Loads more info on sunscreens .