Protect Your Skin with These Simple Sunblock Rules
(Ahem.) You’re using a fitness monitor to ensure you’re moving as much as possible. You drink water like it’s going out of style. You’re even counting fruits and veggies at each meal to bulk up calories with plants instead of junk.
But what have you done for your skin lately?
Sunblock is no joke, ya’ll. There’s a reason they put it in chapstick, facial moisturizer, T-shirts, and hats...you need it as much as you need apples, water, and a good bounce-free jog.
You don’t want to get burned. It hurts, it peels, it’s not exactly pretty. Under a strong microscope, sunburned skin shows damage to cells and blood vessels. With on-going sun damage, the skin starts to look dry, wrinkled, discolored, and leathery, all according to Cleveland Clinic. Getting even one painful sunburn once every two years -- which includes even mild pink or red skin -- triples your risk for melanoma skin cancer.
But the Cleveland Clinic says sunblock is more important than just avoiding a burn, because you need to avoid any and all damage to your skin by the sun. Those UV rays aren’t playing, especially UVB rays which cause burns.
How Long Can You Go Without Sunscreen?
Only 20 minutes! That provides your daily dose of vitamin D. Any longer and you need sunscreen. Reapply every two hours regardless of long-lasting or all-day claims.
Do You Need Sunscreen if You Don’t Burn?
Yes you do. Remember, it’s not just about burn avoidance, it’s about total skin protection. It’s the largest organ in (on) your body and it’s got a big job to do.
What if You Have Dark Skin?
Skin is skin! You still have to protect yours with sunblock.
Which SPF Should You Use?
No one should use less than SPF 30, but anything above SPF 45 is “silly” according to WebMD.
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SPF 15 blocks about 94% of UVB rays
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SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
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SPF 45 blocks about 98% of UVB rays
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No sunblock offers 100% protection
Do You Need More at the Beach or Pool?
Yes! Waterproof sunblocks can’t really claim total waterproof protection, and any moisture -- even sweat -- makes sunblock less effective. Apply generously and often!
Are Spray Sunblock Products Safe?
You bet, it’s just different delivery of the same product. If you’re more likely to use the spray, then use that. If you’re more likely to use lotion, use that. Just use it!