Protecting your skin in the sun

Your skin is your canvas. It is vital to select the right sunscreen and use it correctly to avoid sunburn and protect your skin.

Here are some guidelines to enable you to do so:

Select the correct sun screen

Sun creams and lotions are fine choices for daily use on your face and body. You will find that gels are oil-free, so, they will not clog your pores, rendering them ideal for use on your face, particularly if you are susceptible acne.

Sun screen sprays are great for coverage of hairy places on the body (like your arms and a thinning scalp), as well as your restless children.

Solid sunscreen formulas are great should you be going skiing, hiking or playing any sports on the beach. They offer targeted protection for your lips, nose, ears and around the eyes.

Protection when you are clothed

As sun damage is cumulative, each minute you are exposed to the sun counts. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (the burning rays) go through clothing and glass.

Therefore, it is imperative to use sunscreen under clothing or should you be exposed to the sun through your car window. This is particularly appropriate when you are going on long car journeys.

Re-apply sunscreen

Studies show that if you apply sunscreen less than each 150 minutes, the likelihood of burning increases five-fold. Should you play sports or swim, re-apply sunscreen on the hour, every hour. Should you be inactive in the sun, then re-apply sunscreen every two hours.

Use lots of sunscreen

Lots of people do not apply adequate sunscreen. Apply quite lavishly on your body. Ensure you apply another two teaspoons to the face.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you venture

Certain common sunscreen ingredients work by interacting with the skin. Should your sunscreen contain avobenzone or oxybenzone for UVA protection and octyl salicylate and cinnamates for UVB protection, put it on 30 minutes prior to going outside.

Select the appropriate Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

The SPF of a sunscreen is the laboratory measure of the sunscreen effectiveness. The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers in combating UV-B (the ultraviolet radiation which causes sunburn).

Dermatologists advise SPF 15 on a daily basis. That's the lowest SPF factor you ought to go to, even for daily, incidental exposure. Should you be planning to spend an hour plus in the sun, select an SPF 30 or more.