Slay the Rays: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

There is no such thing as a safe tan - it’s a sign of sun damage! Your skin darkens in response to the damage and to try to protect itself from further harm. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkling, skin cancer, and suppression of the immune system. Unseen by the naked eye, UVA and UVB rays both cause skin damage when we are outdoors. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply, tan the skin and cause wrinkling. UVB rays act on the superficial layers of skin and play a key role in the development of skin cancer.

SPF tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned while wearing sunscreen - not the strength of the sunscreen. The formula is: Minutes to burn without sunscreen x SPF number = maximum sun exposure time. So, for example if you generally burn in 10 minutes in direct sun exposure without sunscreen and you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 your new maximum time in the sun without burning is 100 minutes. 

• Most expert recommend SPF of 30 or higher.

• Choose UVA/UVB (broad-spectrum - protects against both UVA and UVB  rays).

• If you have sensitive skin - pick a brand that does not contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

• If you have oily skin select a water-based sunscreen.

• Also remember, sunscreens lose their effectiveness - so check the expiration date. 

Also Note: Staring at computer screens for long periods can expose your skin to blue light, which may cause damage over time. Although the sun is the main source of blue light, studies show that light from electronic devices can also harm the skin, though not as much as the sun. This can lead to early signs of aging, dark spots, and inflammation.

The sun isn't bad. In fact, spending a short time outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon can help increase your vitamin D levels and improve your mood. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient your body produces when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But anything over a small amount of time requires sunscreen to save your skin.