How Do I Choose The Best Sun Cream?
Simply put, sun cream is designed to filter out those harmful ultraviolet A and B rays. When it comes to buying the best sun cream you should first pay close attention to the label to ensure that the sun cream protects against both UVA and UVB. There is a rating system on many bottles and indicates the percentage of radiation the cream allows through to your skin.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and you’d be forgiven for the thinking the higher the better. Most people are fine with SPF 30 and if you reapply regularly, chances of any sun related issue are negligible. For those wearing SPF 30, the factor indicates that protected people will take up to 30 times longer to burn than unprotected people. 'The challenge is that beyond 50 the increase in UV protection is relatively small,' says Dr. Henry Lim, chair of dermatology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Can I Make My Own Sun Cream?
Yes, you can but the level of SPF is varied. Have a look here if you are interested in making your own sun cream.
Organic sun cream can be found just about anywhere these days and as many people are looking to reduce additives and man-made ingredients, an organic option can easily be found, work just as well and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Take approximately 35mls of sun cream and apply liberally. 30 minutes before braving the rays, smear the cream thoroughly and then again just before you leave your hotel room. Reapply frequently, even if it says “water-resistant” as it won’t be as potent as prior to your swim.
What Other Sun Protection Should I Use?
Hat, sun glasses, balaclava? You’d be surprised the things people make use of to keep those pesky rays at bay. Traditionally though, a sun hat and sun glasses will do the trick in addition to the cream that is.
Sun Glasses can be purchased just about everywhere, but not all sun glasses were created equal. Double check for a sticker on the lens that will advise that the sun glasses you’re thinking of purchasing have polarized lenses and UV filters. Without them, they’re next to worthless.
Hats. OK, bigger is better! Chaps, it might not be fashionable, but those caps with the flap at the back might just prevent a serious case of sunstroke and if we’re making our kids look silly, shouldn’t we join-in?
Generally, sun creams last around two years, but it’s worth checking on the bottom of the bottle prior to purchasing and use. If past the use-by-date, sun cream loses all its potency and you will NOT be protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Is After Sun Worth It?
Yes, it is. After Sun is designed to cool, refresh and alleviate burning symptoms. Of course, if your sun burn is very bad, a trip to the local hospital is advised. After Sun containing high levels of Aloe Vera is highly recommended by many to have fast and effective results. If you are looking to counter-act the effects of the sun on your skin and believe you may have been over-exposed, drinking lots of water to rehydrate the skin and applying the after sun before the burns and throbbing start is a good option.