Sunscreen is once again an important part of the daily routine now that summer is here, and people should know all about these sunscreen tips and tricks to maximize their effectiveness.
Best Sunscreen SPF Level
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen SPF level of at least 30, as those are already capable of blocking 97 percent of the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
People with more sensitive skin or with fairer skin tones might want to get a sunscreen with SPF 50 for added protection, but according to skin expert David Leffell, any SPF higher than 50 only provides minimal additional benefits.
Sunscreen Effectiveness Over Time
Using sunscreen with SPF 50 does not mean that you can stay under the sun longer compared to when you use sunscreen with SPF 30. The SPF levels are based on the protection that sunscreens offer for only two hours.
After two hours under the sun, no matter how high the SPF level of your sunscreen is, you will need to re-apply.
Sunscreen Expiration Date
Before using sunscreen, you should always check its expiration date. While using old or expired sunscreen will not be harmful to your health, it will not provide the necessary protection because the active ingredients would have lost their effect.
For sunscreens with no expiration date, they should be considered expired after three years from purchase.
Sunscreen Capsules Don't Work
You might have products called sunscreen capsules or sunscreen pills that promise protection from sunburn after ingesting them. The Food and Drug Administration, however, has warned against using them.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb called out the companies distributing the products, claiming that they are misleading consumers because sunscreen capsules do not work. Sunscreen capsules and pill should not replace the usage of sunscreen.
Safe Sunscreen Brands
Hawaii recently banned sunscreens, but people should not suddenly be afraid of the products. It should be noted that the ban only applied to sunscreens with chemicals that are harmful to corals though.
To be on the safe side, people might want to take a look at the best sunscreens of 2018, as recommended by Consumer Reports.
The Importance Of Sunscreens
According to the American Cancer Society, about 91,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, this year. It is also said that one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Sunscreens provide protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays that lead to the development of melanoma and skin cancer. Sunscreens also prevent painful sunburns and early signs of skin aging.
Everybody should apply sunscreen before they head out, to make the most out of summer without worrying about the sun's harmful effects.
