Summer is already here and we reckon that family trips to the beach and/or public pools are about to be scheduled in just a minute. Of course, braving the sun is no comfortable feat without a warrior protecting your family, especially the kids, from the sun's harmful rays. We got you covered with some expert tips on how to pick the perfect sunscreen for that fun-filled day under the sun.
A sun-kissed skin is never healthy because the sun's Ultraviolet B (UVB) and Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are absorbed by the outermost layer of the skin that may irritate blood vessels if it reaches the inner middle layer. Moreso, it can attack cell membranes, change body proteins and damage the skin's fibrous structure (via American Skin Association).
On the coming days, a sunscreen is much more important because as Accu Weather reported, the heat of the summer season will be experienced the most in the first weeks of June, more so in the Eastern side. So if you have a scheduled family outdoor trip the next month, one of the must-have summer companions is a reliable sunscreen.
CBS News outsourced the help of a skin expert for some tips on choosing the right sunscreen. First, buy a sunscreen with enough sun protection factor (SPF). According to surgical oncologist, Dr. Colette Pameijer, a sunscreen with SPF 30 that you reapply every two hours is more effective than a sunscreen with a higher SPF but you only applied once during the day. More than the SPF, it's important that you use your sunscreen properly to maximize its benefits.
She also advises men to use sunscreen specifically designed for their gender. For parents, she suggests a sunscreen spray which is easier to apply to their playful kids' skin.
Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of understanding your sunscreen's ingredients and which type will work with your skin best. The best sunscreen, according to the site, is the one that provides protection from all kinds of UV light: a water-resistant sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage that fights both UVA and UVB rays.
The importance of applying sunscreen is underestimated by most people. 43 percent of teens lie under the sun and only three in ten of them frolic on the beach with sunscreen protection. This is dangerous for the skin, considering the Ozone's thinning layer that allows more damage to be done by the sun (via American Skin Association).
Be the responsible parent and don't allow your family to go to the beach with unprotected skin. Make sure you use the right sunscreen and apply it around 15 minutes before starting a day under the sun! Enjoy and we'd love to hear your experience in the comments section below.
