Sunscreen Today, Healthy Skin Tomorrow

Sunscreens come in a wide variety of forms and consistencies. The major common factor amongst all sunscreens, however, is that they may decrease the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If you are planning to head outdoors when the sun is out, be sure to grab a bottle of your favorite sunscreen – it could save your life.

Sunscreen Lotions, Creams, Gels, Sprays and Powders

Sunscreens come in a variety of types ranging from lotions to powders. It’s important to use the correct application for maximum benefits.

Use lotions for the greatest protection. Lotions, including Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 by SkinCeuticals, should be applied liberally and if you will be in the sun for an extended period of time lotions should be reapplied regularly. Sunscreen lotions contain zinc oxide, which dramatically decreases the damaging potential of the sun’s rays. Sunscreen creams, on the other hand, are excellent for less direct and intense sun exposure. They can be used to protect the skin from intermittent sun contact while also adding a layer of moisturizing and anti-aging activity. Creams usually do not contain zinc oxide but instead use other sun screening ingredients to block out the UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen gels combine the protective qualities of a sunscreen lotion with the preventative properties of antioxidants like vitamins E and C. Gels can be worn under makeup and should be applied before sun exposure.

Sunscreen sprays, like Sun Guard Ultra-Light Spray Sunscreen SPF 25 by Jack Black, and powders, like Sunforgettable (SPF 30) – All Clear by Colorescience , are great when it comes to getting sunscreen onto children’s wiggling bodies or even for yourself when there’s no one around to help rub the lotions, creams or gels into hard to reach regions of the back and neck. Sunscreen sprays and powders provide outstanding UVA and UVB protection and are very easy to apply.

Sun Blocks

Sometimes extra protection is needed from the sun’s rays, especially when the heat is intense, or if your skin is sensitive. For these times, try using a sun block, such as Solbar PF 50 Cream by Solbar, which reflects and blocks most of the UV rays before they hit your skin. A sun block will provide maximum protection for lengthy periods of time.

Eye and Lip Sunscreens

Just as you would never use a hand or body lotion on your eyes and face, you should never use any old sunscreen for the sensitive regions of the eyes and lips. Always use a specially formulated sun block for these areas, such as Total Eye Care by Dermalogica for the eyes and LipCOTZ SPF 45 by Fallene for the lips.

Hand Sunscreens

In many cases the hands need special protection from the sun, too. Try using a hand cream with sunscreen, such as Babor Hand and Nail Repair with Algae on the tops of the hands that will protect them from harmful UV rays in addition to moisturizing and healing cracked, wrinkled and reddened hands.

Antioxidant Sunscreens

Free radicals are constantly bombarding our bodies through a myriad of sources. Sunscreens which are made with extra antioxidants help to protect the skin’s cells from free radical damage. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, and A are all excellent free radical scavengers as well as nutrients that help to moisturize and nourish the skin giving it a healthy radiant appearance. By utilizing a product that combines free radical protection and sun protection, like SkinMedica Daily Sun Protection for Faces, you’ll double the skin’s protection against environmental hazards.

Makeup with Sunscreens

Would you like have your makeup and your sunscreen too? Now you can with makeup that already has sunscreen in the formula, perfect for everyday wearing. Simply apply your makeup as you would normally and rest easy that you are protecting your skin from sun damage. Selections from Jane Iredale, Colorescience and GloMinerals, among others, give you a wide range of colors for you to find your perfect tone.

Tinted Sunscreen

To protect your skin from harmful UV rays while still looking bronzed and tanned try a tinted sunscreen product, like Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisturizer SPF 15, which comes in three tints. Not only will tinted sunscreen provide an even, tanned look to your skin, it will also moisturize and protect at the same time.

Water Resistant Sunscreen

Will you be in or around water while outdoors? Check out the long list of water resistant sunscreen products, like Blue Lizard Sport Suncream by Blue Lizard. These specially designed sunscreens are useful if you will be swimming or being splashed with water. However, be sure to reapply after toweling or drying off.

Sun Defense Kits

All-in-ones are great! Imagine having a whole kit full of skin care products designed to shield delicate skin from harmful damaging UV rays. A sun kit like Skin System II- Defend Kit by SkinCeuticals is a wonderful way to keep everything in one central location, especially when traveling.

Sunscreen for Babies

Young children and babies should always be protected when exposed to the sun as their skin is sensitive and especially prone to sunburn. Recent studies have concluded that sunburns occurring during the younger years can more readily increase the chances of developing melanoma later in life. Using a sunscreen such as California Baby SPF 30 Sunblock Stick Super Sensitive – Fragrance Free will keep your little ones safe from the potentially dangerous rays of the sun.

Sunscreen Wipes

Tired of messy hands when applying sunscreen products? Then you should try the new sunscreen wipes, such as Full Spectrum Wipes SPF 15 by Dermalogica. Sunscreen wipes work just as effectively as any other sunscreen product but with far less mess. Simply wipe and go!

Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires a sensitive sunscreen. These sunscreens are made with no irritating chemicals making them the perfect companion to sensitive skin on a sunny day. Try Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 35 by Pharmaceutical Specialties.