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Sunscreens help to
block the harmful rays of the sun. It is highly recommended that sunscreen (also
known as sunblock, sun cream, and sometimes suntan lotion) be worn when skin is
exposed to the sun during outdoor activities.
As the earth's ozone layer becomes
thinner, it allows more of the harmful rays of the sun to reach the earth.
Therefore, the use of
sunscreen on exposed skin has become second nature and ongoing research is
necessary to attempt to develop improved products.
Sunscreen can help prevent painful sunburns,
skin cancers and melanomas. It also blocks many of the harmful rays of the sun
that increase the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin
tones, freckling and age spots.
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The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number assigned
to a sunscreen product, the longer the protection it should provide. It's a
misconception that a higher SPF blocks more harmful rays.
Some sunscreen
products boast waterproof and/or sweatproof properties. As sunscreens are
used on hot days at the beach or pool, sunscreens that continue to work after
swimming or sweating are recommended.
Sunscreen products
used to only be available in lotion form, but are now available as
sprays, sticks and gels and should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun
exposure and reapplied as per product directions.
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