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Be. Well. Do You Know These Six Things About Sunscreen?

As the official start of summer nears with its longer, brighter days, so does the need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure, even on cloudy days, can leave your skin dry, burned and in danger of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

One of the most effective ways to help protect your skin and health is to apply sunscreen before and during sun exposure. Yet, many people skip this step before heading outdoors or don’t use sunscreen in a way that maximizes its benefits. Keep reading to test your sunscreen knowledge of six important tips and facts you may not know.

  1. Sunscreen Should Be Applied to Your Lips and Ears
    When applying sunscreen, many people often forget smaller areas on their body like their feet, lips and ears. However, these areas, even when covered by hair or clothing, are also vulnerable to sunburn, and when unprotected, put you at risk of dryness, cold sores, blisters and skin cancer.

    To protect your feet and ears, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. To protect your lips, apply lip balm or lipstick with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two to three hours.

  2. Use Lotion for a Base and Spray for Touch Ups
    It may not be a surprise that aerosolized sunscreen sprays do not give you full control of coverage during their application. Lotion, on the other hand, allows you to see it when it’s applied to ensure it is evenly distributed and layered. This increases the lotion’s effectiveness and makes it a good base for sun protection. Sunscreen spray can be conveniently used for periodic touch-ups after your initial application of sunscreen lotion.

    When deciding on aerosolized sunscreen or lotion, you should also consider whether mineral or chemical sunscreen is best for you. Mineral sunscreen is thicker in texture and remains on the surface of your skin to reflect and scatter UV rays away. Chemical sunscreen, however, absorbs the sun’s rays and converts them into non-damaging heat before releasing them from your skin. Read number 6 “Only 1 in 4 Sunscreens Is Safe and Effective” for more information on sunscreen formulas.

  3. No Sunscreen Product is Actually Waterproof
    Sun protection is important when engaging in water sports and outdoor exercise, but all sunscreens, including those labeled water resistant, wash off after 40 to 80 minutes of sweat and water exposure. Re-application is necessary, so follow the instructions on the bottle for when to reapply.
  4. Protect Your Head with Sunscreen for Your Scalp and Hair
    During the summer months, many hope to achieve a sun kissed hairstyle, but what most don’t know is the damage that produces this look. Prolonged sun exposure dehydrates your hair and scalp and can cause breakage and premature graying. For protection, cover your head with an umbrella, wear a hat or scarf, and use the many sunscreen products specifically made for hair and scalp such as powder sunscreen and scalp and hair sunscreen mist.
  5. Sunscreen Helps Prevent Heat Strokes
    According to the American Medical Association, more than 60,000 people visit the emergency room for heat-related illness each year. Heat stroke occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged sun exposure in a hot environment. Sunburn, a common side effect of sun exposure, negatively affects your body’s ability to cool down. Thus, applying sunscreen every two hours reduces your chances of both sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
  6. Only 1 in 4 Sunscreens Is Safe and Effective
    According to an annual sunscreen guide published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that analyzes more than 2,000 sunscreens each year for their safety and effectiveness, it is important to pay close attention to what goes into the sunscreens you use. The chemicals used in some sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, where they can remain for weeks even after a single application and cause hormonal and reproductive issues in both men and women. These chemicals also can make their way into the water supply and oceans, where they can damage already fragile coral reefs and marine life. Be sure to avoid sunscreens with chemicals like oxybenzone and homosalate, which can appear in both chemical and mineral-based sunscreens. For a full list of chemicals to avoid and a guide with sunscreen recommendations for all ages, visit the EWG’s website at www.ewg.org/sunscreen.

*BONUS: Do you avoid sunscreen due to its chalky appearance? Sunscreen is available in the traditional white hue but also tinted shades for various skin tones. Check in-store and online retailers for sunscreen options for all skin tones.