Summer is the best time of year–going to the beach, going camping, and lounging around the pool. But summer also means hot sun and a high UV index that can potentially cause serious damage to your skin. This summer, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen to prevent those nasty painful burns. No more going to sleep with hot and burning skin and waking up looking like a tomato. Sunscreen doesn’t only help prevent burns; it prevents wrinkles and aging and dramatically reduces your risk of developing skin cancer.
Do your research and shop for only the highest quality sunscreen products for the face and body, so you can make sure you’re staying safe and having fun in the summer sun.
When Do You Need Sunscreen?
Believe it or not, you should be wearing sunscreen any time you’re outside, whether you’re sunbathing or not! Even when you’re sitting in the shade, your sun is still being exposed to harmful UV rays that can damage your skin.
So when do you need sunscreen? All the time! Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every 90 minutes you’re outside. Always make sure to reapply after swimming. And you don’t just need it when you’re sunbathing; apply sunscreen whenever you expect to be spending more than a few minutes outside in the sun, even if you’re just running errands or doing yard work.
What’s the Best SPF to Use?
When shopping for sunscreens, you’ll see a lot of variation in the amount of SPF offered. This might make you wonder which SPF you should look for in a sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with a 30 SPF or above. 30 SPF blocks 97% of UVB rays when applied properly.
BUT, if you’re looking to get your tan on but still protect yourself from sunburns, an SPF of 6 to 15 will get the job done well. Just make sure you’re often reapplying and get out of the sun if you start feeling burnt.
What Products Do You Need for Face and Body?
It’s best to use products that are specific to the face and body to avoid any breakouts on your skin. The skin on your face is very sensitive and may not tolerate some ingredients commonly used in sunscreen made for the body.
For the body, a product like the Badger Sun Sunscreen 30 SPF is an excellent product. It’s great value and easy to use. It’s also unscented, so it’s less likely to irritate your skin, and you won’t have to worry about that very strong sunscreen scent.
For the face, try the highly-rated La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50+ SPF Sunscreen. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t make your skin break out. Plus, the high SPF rating means you’ll be fully protected from UVA and UVB rays.
The summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy time with your friends and family. But no one wants to deal with the pain of a sunburn or risk the health of their skin just to have fun outside in the sun. This summer, it’s important to protect yourself with high-quality sunscreens that will protect all of your skin from the sun’s harmful rays so you can enjoy your time outside without worrying about sun damage.
