Sunburns are a major pain and I mean it literally. If you think getting a great tan is a result of getting sunburned first you’re not alone. That’s a common misconception. You can get a tan without getting fried. Plus sunburns can be quite painful and more than a little annoying. Sometimes a tap on the shoulder can make you scream. Don’t want that to happen to you? Follow these simple sunscreen tips and not only will you get a nice tan but enjoy the day at the beach as well.
What does SPF stand for?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how long your sunscreen will keep you from getting sunburned. For instance, your skin usually burn in 20 minutes, if you apply sunscreen with SPF 15 you will be protected for 15 times longer. This means you will burn after 300 minutes or about 5 hours. But why settle for less? Get a SPF 30 sunscreen to stay out in the sun longer safely with just one application.
How long before I get sunburned?
It all comes down to your skin color. The fairer your skin is, the easier you burn. So if you’re blue eyed blonde, you will start to redden up in about 15 minutes. If you’re fair and dark haired, burning takes place in 20-35 minutes. But if you have dark skin, you tend to get burned after an hour. So if you apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 and you have fair skin, you will burn after 5 hours while a dark skinned girl using SPF 15 will get burned after 15 hours. Don’t get disappointed, that’s just how it is. So rather than buying SPF 15 you’re better off with SPF 30.
Does the timing of my sun exposure matter?
You should stay out of the sun between 10 am and 3pm. These are the times where the sun is at its strongest. For any reason that you can’t avoid the sun lather on some sunscreen, wear a wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses.
How much is enough?
When putting on sunscreen, don’t finish off the bottle in one application. You will still burn no matter how thick you lather it on. Instead, imagine a shot glass. Filled is about right when it comes to how much you want to use. Besides you will still need to reapply after 2 hours anyway. Especially if you’re in the pool or sweating a lot.
Are sunscreen products safe for kids?
Yes, sunscreen for kids is completely safe. It usually comes in SPF 30 or 50 variants. Putting sunscreen on infants is however not advisable. You can protect babies from the sun by staying under the umbrella and let them wear light, breathable clothes. Take note that 80% of our lifetime exposure to the sun happens before our 18th birthday. Now that’s something you can’t ignore.
What other things do I need to know about sunscreen?
Here are some sun-protecting tips you can use. Always use a lip balm with SPF. Protect your hair by using shampoo/conditioner with sunscreen. When applying sunscreen don’t forget your ears and the back of your neck. Buy sunscreen indicator stickers for your kids. It tells you if you need to reapply or stay out of the sun.
These are just a few tips to get you started. There are others. So instead of looking around for sunscreen products, now you know that basically all of them are the same. Pick a reasonably priced product, with a decent SPF and enjoy the rest of the day at the beach. Certain you’re doing what you can to protect against sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.
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