Tips chossing sunscreens for your skin type and for certain weather conditions. The difference between SPF's and types that provide maxiumum coverage.
Choosing an SPF can be a daunting task. What may be right for one skin type, may not be right for another. The first step in choosing a sunscreen is accessing what type of skin you have. The color of your skin can determine and predict how quickly your skin will react to sun exposure.
If you're fair skinned, it is likely that you will burn rather quickly without sunscreen and that you may still burn if your SPF is not strong enough. SPF 30 should provide sufficient coverage for any skin type, but is ideal for a fair skinned person who does not want to tan or burn. A higher SPF such as SPF 50 will provide slightly more protection than what SPF 30 offers.
Medium skinned people are well suited to use SPF 15 or higher. While SPF 30 would offer nearly additional coverage, as long as a medium skinned person reapplies sunscreen regularly and does not spend long periods of time in the sun.
Dark skinned people do need sunscreen to protect their skin. Although freckles and wrinkles may not be immediately evident on dark skin, the skin can become damaged by over exposure to the sun. Dark skinned people would benefit from SPF 8, unless they are in the sun for long periods of time, in which case SPF 15 or higher would be advised.
To maximize your skin's protection from damaging sunrays, reapply sunscreen every 4 hours and more frequently if you're in the water. Keep in mind that water is reflective and going in the water without sunscreen can result in unwanted sun exposure and sunburns. Apply sunscreen generously to the face, nose, neck, hands and feet. These areas generally have the thinnest skin and thus are more susceptible to sun damage. Maximize your skin's protection by also wearing hats whenever possible. Hats can shade your head, face and neck and thereby reduce your skin's exposure to harsh rays.
When it comes to choosing a brand of sunscreen, expensive name brands may not protect your skin any better than a generic product could. But bear in mind that sunscreens have expiration dates, which should be heeded. If a sunscreen product has expired, the potency of the SPF is in question, which can result in unwanted sunburns and skin damage. Another factor to consider when choosing a SPF is paba. Paba-free sunscreens are best for sensitive skin types because they take the sting out of the product. Paba-free sunscreens are particularly good for use on the face, since the eyes and the nose can tingle, burn or itch when placed in contact with paba.
Your final consideration regarding suncare and your skin is keeping the skin moist and refreshed. The sun can dry skin quickly since the heat removes the water from your pores. After exposure to the sun, always clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and then moisturize with a lotion rich in vitamin e and aloe vera. To soothe burned, tight or itchy skin following sun exposure try applying an ample layer of regular yogurt or Noxema to the skin. Both products will cool and moisturize the skin.
