Summer time is quickly approaching and that means protecting our skin as much as possible. We all know that sunscreen is essential, but what does it really mean and how many times should we apply?
– What does SPF Mean? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF numbers on a package can range from as low as 2 to as high as 60. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s burning rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of times needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of times needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. If you are using SPF 30 this means that you are like applying 30 more layers of “skin” to your body and face so that the sun has to burn through those 30 skins before your actual skin gets burnt.
– You need more than one bottle if you are going to stay in the sun longer. One bottle of sunscreen is not enough if you are on vacation. Studies show that it takes one ounce to cover the body, and if you’re in the sun for six hours, you need to reapply twice.
– We must protect our skin. Studies show that thirty fiver percent of women still aren’t wearing sunscreen at all. Adults who use sunscreen daily can drastically reduce their risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to new landmark research from Australia. Researchers found that daily application of an SPF 16 sunscreen to the head, neck, arms, and hands reduced melanoma. Protect yourself! A tan might look good but premature aging skin is even worse.
For more information on SPF and skin care visit: www.skincancer.org.
