SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT: What you need to know about sunscreen
Almost a-THIRD of popular sunscreens don't protect you as well as they claim. Summer is just around the corner, and that means afternoons on the
beach, midday picnics, epic bike rides and long dog walks. But all that time in the sun
can do serious damage to your skin. Experts say it takes about one ounce of sunscreen, or about two
tablespoonfuls, to cover your face and body. Most people only use half
that much, so they don't get full protection. That doesn't mean the sunscreens aren't protective, but you may not be getting the protection you think you are, the mag reports. "Research shows that people who rely on sunscreens alone tend to burn
more than those who stay in the shade and wear long sleeves". Please try to
avoid the sun or stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (10
a.m. to 4 p.m.), and dress appropriately for any outings. Wear a hat and
clothing that's made from tightly woven fabric. (Dark colors are better
at blocking UV rays.) Hold clothing up to the light; if you can see
through it, the UV rays can get through, too.
The products evaluated by Consumer Reports for the most part protect
the skin through chemicals that absorb ultraviolet radiation and
neutralize it. But you also need a physical screen —
such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — to block UVA. Keep in mind the SPF ratings
on sunscreens and sunblocks only refer to UVB protection. So, it’s
entirely possible that you could get more protection from a sunscreen
with a rating of 60 than one with a rating of 80.
Rule #1: Your makeup isn’t protecting you. It may feel like you're protecting your face when you rub on your SPF 15 foundation,
but that’s insufficient. Women often apply their makeup
just once in the morning, assuming it will provide all-day protection,
when they should be reapplying regular sunscreen on their faces every
two hours. Your best bet is to reapply a lightweight sunscreen
throughout the day. Does yours pass?
beach, midday picnics, epic bike rides and long dog walks. But all that time in the sun
can do serious damage to your skin. Experts say it takes about one ounce of sunscreen, or about two
tablespoonfuls, to cover your face and body. Most people only use half
that much, so they don't get full protection. That doesn't mean the sunscreens aren't protective, but you may not be getting the protection you think you are, the mag reports. "Research shows that people who rely on sunscreens alone tend to burn
more than those who stay in the shade and wear long sleeves". Please try to
avoid the sun or stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest (10
a.m. to 4 p.m.), and dress appropriately for any outings. Wear a hat and
clothing that's made from tightly woven fabric. (Dark colors are better
at blocking UV rays.) Hold clothing up to the light; if you can see
through it, the UV rays can get through, too.
To get protection from the sun’s damaging rays, you won't have
to dig deep in your wallet this summer. One of the most effective
sunscreens on store shelves is also one of the least expensive,
according to a new Consumer Reports study. Up & Up Sport Continuous,
which sells at Target for less than $10 for two 6-ounce containers,
won top honors for being the “Best Buy" sunscreen.
to dig deep in your wallet this summer. One of the most effective
sunscreens on store shelves is also one of the least expensive,
according to a new Consumer Reports study. Up & Up Sport Continuous,
which sells at Target for less than $10 for two 6-ounce containers,
won top honors for being the “Best Buy" sunscreen.
the skin through chemicals that absorb ultraviolet radiation and
neutralize it. But you also need a physical screen —
such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — to block UVA. Keep in mind the SPF ratings
on sunscreens and sunblocks only refer to UVB protection. So, it’s
entirely possible that you could get more protection from a sunscreen
with a rating of 60 than one with a rating of 80.
but that’s insufficient. Women often apply their makeup
just once in the morning, assuming it will provide all-day protection,
when they should be reapplying regular sunscreen on their faces every
two hours. Your best bet is to reapply a lightweight sunscreen
throughout the day. Does yours pass?
