How To Choose A Sunscreen

Besides skin type, here are other factors to consider when making your selection from so many tanning products:

Chosen Activity – Being outdoors is not the only element to take into consideration when factoring in your amount exposure to the sun. You also need to note the intensity with regards to climate, the season, location and time of day. For example, just because you may be hiking in a cool mountain region or snow skiing, doesn’t mean you should through all caution aside. Wind and UV rays still reach you so protection would be wise. And surfaces with reflective qualities; snow, water, sand, etc. can intensify UV ray harm.

And activities that make you work up a sweat or that involve water, with a potential to wash off your sunscreen, need to be handled a little differently; like basketball, jogging, sun bathing on a hot beach, biking, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and outdoor work and exercise. Choose a sunscreen product for these activities with both UVA and UVB coverage and an SPF of 15 or higher, when possible. And for water / sweat activities, choose a product that offers a waterproof or water-resistant agent.  Dress appropriately, too, by covering up as much skin as possible, like wearing long sleeves, a scarf or hat, slacks or jogging pants.

And don’t forget your eyes; the sun’s UV rays can cause cataracts. There are plenty of stylish UV-opaque sunglasses in all price ranges for both genders in a variety of stores, today ranging from the corner drug store to the local optometrist’s office.

Age – There are only a couple words of caution about age. First of all, health care providers do NOT recommend using alcohol-based sunscreen products on children. And they do NOT recommend using sunscreen agents of any type on babies under the age of 6 months. For children older than 6 months, a lotion is the preferred form of sunscreen, over a spray, for example. And the SPF should be a minimum of 15.

Use on Body – Your choice of tanning product also depends upon where you are going to apply the lotion, gel, spray or other form. And it also depends upon the health of the area of the body. For example, there are lip balms with sunscreen, solid or gel-based ones, that not only help the lips but can touch up spots in a hurry. Also if you’re trying to apply protection to fingers, ears, nose and other small areas, a physical sunscreen agent, lotion or gel may be easier than a spray. If you have dry skin, you might want to try a product in lotion or cream form. For oily skin, gel-based or alcohol forms of sunscreen might be better choices. Word of caution: do not use alcohol-based products with inflamed skin or eczematous.