There’s nothing quite like enjoying a day out in the sun, soaking up its warmth for a simple fulfilling experience. From spending time at the beach with your family to taking the perfect hike to simply hanging out in the backyard, there are so many ways to have fun in the sun. But with spending more time outdoors comes the potential for exposure to the not-so-great aspects of sunlight - UV rays.
UV rays also known as ultraviolet rays found in sunlight are known to cause premature signs of aging and other skin issues such as burns and cancer. While it's important to remain cautious of the potential dangers of UV rays, you don’t have to completely avoid the sunlight. The simple solution to enjoying the benefits of sunshine without potential damage is simple - wear sunscreen!
Whether you’re a true veteran in the world of sunscreen or are just starting your sun protection journey, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a quick breakdown of what sunscreen is, why you need it, and what to look for in a good sunscreen. Keep reading to discover more.
Why You Need a Good Sunscreen
Before we get into the basics of what makes a good sunscreen, let’s first talk about why exactly you need one. While the warmth of the sun’s rays and the promise of a perfect tan may be intriguing, it’s important to remember that prolonged exposure can lead to premature signs of aging in the skin. The UV rays found in sunlight accelerate the aging process, which can lead to more visible signs of wrinkles and fine lines, potential irritation and redness, and an increased chance of skin cancer.
Now, we can’t spend all of our time indoors avoiding the sun - it’s just not practical. Rather, you can keep your skin protected from the harmful UV rays found in sunlight by simply wearing an effective sunscreen with SPF.
What is Sunscreen?
We’ve all heard the word, ‘sunscreen,’ and used the product, but what is sunscreen? Sunscreen is a uniquely formulated skincare product that contains a blend of sun protection factors (SPF) that work to protect the skin from the sun. The SPF in sunscreen can contain either physical blockers, including minerals like zinc oxide, that sit on the surface of the skin as a reflective shield from UV rays, or chemical blockers that sit on the surface of the skin and absorb the UV rays before they pass through. Both options are effective and many store-bought sunscreens contain both to maximize protection.
The Ins and Outs of Good Sunscreen
Now that we’ve discussed exactly why you need sunscreen and a good one at that, and what it is, let’s talk about how to find the right one. Let’s face it - when shopping for sunscreen at any store, it’s easy to see that the market is completely flooded with options. No matter where you’re looking, it’s not uncommon to become overwhelmed and not make the right decision in choosing skin protection.
Pick Your Anti-Poison: Chemical vs. Physical
We’ve already gone over the basics of physical versus chemical sunscreens - it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details. One of the first choices you’ll need to make in finding the right sunscreen for you is to decide which type of SPF you’d prefer.
An easy way to make a quick choice here is to take a closer look at how your skin typically reacts to new skincare items. Does it tend to become irritated quickly or react poorly to certain ingredients? It would be wise to avoid anything with chemical blockers, as these are absorbed into the skin and can quickly prove to be irritating to sensitive skin. On the other hand, physical blockers sit on top of the skin and are less likely to cause any irritation. However, because they sit on top of the skin, physical sunscreens are often more filmy and visible when applied properly. Think about your current lifestyle and unique skin needs to help make the right choice for your needs in this area.
Say No to Fragrances and Other Harsh Chemicals
While we all may love a rich tropical beachy scent, this can often lead to skin irritation when added to sunscreen. This is due to harsh chemicals and other additives that are often used to create synthetic fragrances. Try seeking out a sunscreen that doesn’t contain a long list of chemical ingredients that you can’t pronounce to keep your skin looking and feeling at its best while staying protected.
Aim for SPF 30+
We can all agree that any sort of SPF is better than none at all, but you might want to swing a bit higher when it comes to finding the right option for you. Anything with a rating of SPF 30 and higher will block up to 97% of harmful UV rays, with higher SPF ratings leading to even better protection.
Portability is Key
Just because you put sunscreen on first thing in the morning doesn’t mean that you’ll be good to go for the entire day. Just like any face product, sunscreen will lose its efficacy over time after application, especially when water and sweat are involved. Make sure that you reapply throughout the day to maximize your skin’s protection from the sun, at least every 2 hours.
To keep things easy and make sure that you’re ready to reapply throughout the day, try to find a sunscreen that is convenient to carry around with you. Whether it’s a travel-size bottle you can slip in your purse or a convenient spray, find an option that you can easily tote along with you for quick reapplication whenever you need it.
When it comes to having fun in the sun, it’s important to make sure that you’re wearing adequate protection. Harmful UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging and damage the skin with prolonged exposure. By wearing effective sunscreen, you can block these harmful effects and keep enjoying the warmth, radiance, and community that comes with spending time in the great outdoors.
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Rebel Skincare Products
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