Are you Sun Savvy?
 What
to look for
The sun is at its strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
This is when sun protection should be strongly advised. When buying
a sunscreen or block look for:
- Sun protection factor (SPF), which is labeled on every
bottle. The SPF number indicates the length of time one can stay
in the sun without burning. The higher the SPF number the more
your skin is protected from the sun. Dermatologists recommend
using lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Active ingredients are what prevent UVA and UVB rays
from harming your skin. Sunscreens or blocks should contain protection
for both UVA and UVB rays. According the Food and Drug Administration,
effective sunscreens and blocks should contain one or more of
the following ingredients:
- For Sunscreens
· Octinoxate
· Octisalate
· Oxybenzone
· Benzophenone
· Menthyl Anthranitate
- For Sunblocks
· Titanium Dioxide
· Iron Oxide
· Zinc Oxide
- An Expiration date should also be printed somewhere on
the bottle. Sunscreens without an expiration date listed usually
have a shelf life of three years.
Sunscreen/block should be applied about 15 to 30 minutes before
going outside and reapplied every two hours, even on a cloudy day.
Even if your lotion is waterproof, sunscreen/block should be reapplied
after swimming and physical activity where excessive sweating has
occurred. Lotion should be applied to any area of the body that
will be exposed to the sun. Don't forget your lips, ears and behind
the neck. Have someone help you with the hard-to-reach spots like
the middle of your back.
Don't get burned: Learn how to
prevent sunburn 
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