Terms You Need To Know When Buying Your Next Tube Of Sunscreen

Protecting your family from the harmful elements of the sun is crucial in keeping the skin healthy and wrinkle-free. Sunscreen helps by reflecting, absorbing, and/or scattering harmful radiation the sun reflects down on us.

Sunscreen comes in many different forms: lotion, spray, gel, cream, and some brands provide it as makeup. Forgetting to apply sunscreen can cause aging of the skin, and in some cases, skin cancer.

When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to be able to read the label and know what is contained in the bottle. There are some words that might not be understood; some of them are:

* UVA (Ultraviolet A) – This unseen ultraviolet radiation has a lengthy wavelength that penetrates the skin to reach further depths. These rays are very harmful because they can enter the skin without you feeling it.

* UVB (Ultraviolet B) – UVB is a kind of light that the sun radiates. The wavelength of this type of radiation is simpler than UVA and is typically the source of sunburn and other skin problems.

* SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – This term is the measure in protection that a particular sunscreen can give for someone. A number is labeled on each container of sunscreen indicating the strength of that protection. The higher number provides more protection than the lower numbers. It is mentioned that someone being exposed to the sun apply a minimum of SPF 15 to the skin regularly and reapply when necessary.

* UVR (Ultraviolet Radiation) – This stuff is real radiation from the sun that can cause premature aging, spots, sunburn, wrinkling, and skin cancer in some. Also, these harmful rays can hurt your immune system.

* Water Resistant – Some sunscreens are said to be water resistant in that they repel water and allow the lotion to stick to the skin better. Swimmers can go for longer time in the sun and still be protected. But, it is very important to reapply sunscreen, even if it is water resistant, because it looses its effectiveness through more and more swimming. Water resistant does not mean water proof.

Not only do you have to be informed about the different terms on sunscreen labels, there are also two different types of sunscreens: physical combatants and chemical blockers. Physical blockers do just that – they physically block bad sunlight by reflecting them back up. Chemical blockers on the other hand absorb some of the radiation; usually the ones with shorter wavelengths.

No matter what type you choose, it is important to be liberal in applying it and be mindful if it is rubbed off. Sunscreens can only be as effective as you let them – people being exposed to a lot of sun must rub on thoroughly and reapply every two or so hours. Although the sun can be a great and beautiful thing, it can also be your worst nightmare if you forget to protect your skin. Informing yourself on what to look for in a sunscreen will keep your skin beautiful and ageless for many years.

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