Picking the Right Suntan Lotion

Now that the weather is getting nicer and the sun is getting stronger, we have to remember to protect ourselves from the potentially dangerous UV rays of the sun. With so many different sunscreens out there, it is hard to know which is the best one for you.

Many people believe that the higher the SPF number on the bottle, the more protection you will receive, but this isn’t true. Many researchers recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF that is higher than 15 but lower than 30. This is because when people use sunscreen with an SPF higher than 30 they tend to think that the sunscreen also lasts longer, so they do not reapply as frequently as they would with a lower SPF. This also is not true, as no matter what the SPF number on the bottle is, it should be reapplied regularly and frequently for maximum protection. Studies also show that a sunscreen with an SPF over 30 does not offer that much more protection.

If you are planning to spend the day at the beach where you are going in the water, or participating in any water-related activities, it is highly encouraged to use a water-resistant sunscreen. This too should be reapplied frequently to avoid any burns and/or skin damage.

There are also sunscreens that we should try to avoid because of the chemicals that are in them. While Oxybenzone absorbs UV rays, studies show that it can go into our bloodstream, which can damage cells. Retinyl Palmitate is another chemical that should be looked for. This type of Vitamin A when used on sun exposed skin can increase the chances of skin cancer.

Parabens can also be seen in certain sunscreens and can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Now that you have all the tips on what sunscreens to use and what not to use, you can get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather safely!

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