Sunscreen - Some Tips for Applying Sunscreen Lotions

Sunscreen (also known as sunblock, suncream, suntan lotion ) is a lotion that helps to protect your skin from harmful UV radiations coming directly from sun. Applying sunscreen daily on your face will help to protect it from those harmful radiations - which may cause many serious damages to your skin like sunburn. Sunscreen works by combining organic and inorganic active ingredients. Inorganic ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

UV rays are of two types - UVA and UVB. Good quality sunscreens are able to give protection to your skin from both these types of UV rays. They will help to protect against UVB with wavelength between 290 and 320 nanometres and UVA with wavelengths between 320 and 400 nanometers.

Some Great tips for Applying and Using Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before you are going for a sun exposure which allows it time to absorb properly.

A person should apply at least 20-25 ml of sunscreen per session when he is about to go for a sun exposure. And if you will not apply the correct amount of sunscreen then it will be of no use, and you may suffer from a sunburn or skin damage.

When purchasing sunscreen, select a PABA-free brand designed for babies and free of other harsh chemicals. I prefer titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Choose an SPF of at least 15.

You can also go for budget brands instead of expensive brands, as they are also quite enough to protect your skin from sunburn.

Be especially careful if you are around water , sand, snow, or any surface that will reflect and therefore intensify the sun's rays. Remember, the sun's rays are more intense the higher you get in elevation.

Before applying sunscreen, make sure that your face is perfectly clean and dry. skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun

Try to avoid the sun's most intense rays by staying out of the sun during the middle of the day between 11 am and 3 pm when them sun is strongest, but still apply sun screen because sand, concrete and water can reflect harmful rays.

Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sun creams from the skin so you should reapply after taking part in any of these activities, even if the product is waterproof.

In general, infants' skin is much thinner and more sensitive to the sun than adults' skin, even in individuals with darker complexions. The amount of sunscreen needed depends on how light the child's complexion is. I would recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for very fair-skinned children.

Everyday use of sun lotions on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging and skin cancer.

Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.