Safer Sun Protection Tips
By Lisa D Liguori on March 12, 2012
The Healthy Beauty-style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori ~
The warm weather is rolling around again, and with it, your need to protect your skin. What do you need to know to stay safe under the sun?
For starters, you need a safe and reliable sunscreen
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For safety, look for these proven safe, active ingredients when choosing a sunscreen:
Also, be sure it is a broad spectrum, water resistant (for pool and beach use), sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50. Anything higher is a waste.
Avoid these ingredients:
- oxybenzone
- vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
- PABA
Dr. Mercola has an even more extensive list here. (Scroll down to the list and keep in mind that Dr. Mercola’s information can be a bit extreme at times; yet still so very helpful).
Additionally, avoid insect repellant as an added ingredient (use one, yes, but apply it separately before your sunscreen, and choose a safe natural based one. By all means stay away from DEET).
Be sure it is not expired. It is recommended that you toss it after 3 years. Personally, I toss after one.
So, which brands are best?
I have two favorite sunscreens that we use in my family all year long, but more heavily during the warmer months.
Eco Face SPF 30. I love this as it is designed for use under makeup, and everyday wear.
Dr Mercola Natural Sunscreen for the rest of your body. It has a lovely aroma as well.
A few more safe sunscreen tips:
- Use enough; apply your screen liberally. Most people don’t use enough to actually give you the protection you need. Use about 1 oz., enough to fill a shot glass, for your entire body. No worries if you use too much!
- Apply 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
- Use clothing and hats as extra protection.
- The UV rays are strongest between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Now, I know you are not going to stay out of the sun during those hours. What fun would that be! Just be aware is all.
- Babies under 6 months of age need to stay away from direct sun. Keep them in the shade.
But wait! Before you apply that lotion…
What about vitamin D?
You need that as well to increase your absorption of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones. In fact, studies are linking many diseases to a lack of vitamin D.
And we get our vitamin D, from the sun!
What’s a girl to do?
Do we need to make a choice between protecting our skin, and getting enough vitamin D? It sure seems that way!
But no, we do not!
If you can get sun exposure twice weekly for 15 minutes or so on your hands, face, arms or back then you are good to go on the big D.
Now, get your sunscreen.
Do you have safe sunscreen tips? Let us know in the comments!
Originally posted on Style Essentials.
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