Six Things To Consider When Shopping For Sunscreen Or Sunblock

We are all aware of the damaging effects that can be brought about by the sun. Due to the constant destruction of the ozone layer, more UVA and UVB rays are entering. These UVA and UVB rays can do much damage to one's skin. These rays can cause skin cancer. The presence of these rays in our environment is reason enough for us to limit our sun exposure.

There are certain body products that are used to help protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. These products are otherwise known as sunscreen and sunblock. When applied, it creates a barrier between the skin and the sun that is effective for a particular time frame which is dependent on the SPF or sun protection factor. If the sunscreen contains SPF 15, it means that one can stay under the sun 15 minutes more.

This body product is of high importance because using it can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Here are some shopping tips to consider when buying sunscreen or sunblock.

1. Before anything else, know first the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock. Most people think that these two are the same. Well, the truth is that these two may be related but that doesn't mean both are the same.

If you are wondering where the difference lies, it is on their sun protection factor level. A sunscreen usually has an SPF level of 15 or less while a sunblock has an SPF level of 30 or more.

2. Consider your skin color. Most fair to light skinned women need sunblock with a higher SPF level usually around SPF 30. Fair and light skinned women have little melanin on their skin. In addition to giving the skin its color, melanin also helps protect the skin from the sun.

Other than your skin color, you should also consider your location. Women who live in countries near the equator or at high altitude locations should use sunblock with a high SPF level instead of sunscreen.

3. Read labels. If your sunblock or sunscreen label reads “broad spectrum” it means that it is capable of protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Exposure to these rays at high doses can result to skin cancer.

You have to remember that these two ultraviolet rays go hand in hand so if your sunblock or sunscreen only protects you from UVA rays you are still at risk no matter how high the SPF level is are because you are left vulnerable to the UVB rays.

4. Be aware of the amount of protection you are getting. Each sunscreen or sunblock comes with different levels of SPF. If you want to get maximum protection, you might want to get a sunblock with a high level of sun protection factor. If you only need minimum protection a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of less than 15 will just do well.

5. If you are going swimming, you might want to buy sunblock or sunscreen that is either water resistant or water proof. Having this kind will continue to protect you even when you are in the water.

6. If you have sensitive skin, make sure that the sunblock or sunscreen you are about to buy is hypoallergenic. In addition, if you are prone to breaking out choose a sunscreen or sunblock that is noncomedogenic.