Have you ever been out in the sun and felt your skin start to burn? If you have, then your body encountered some UVA and UVB rays! But don’t worry, there is a way to protect yourself and your family from those pesky rays – sunscreen!
SPF protection can be a real life-saver for those hot summer days, but what exactly is it? Let’s break down what UVA and UVB rays are, why SPF is important, how to choose the right sunscreen for you and your family, how to apply it for best results, and other ways to protect against sun damage.
What Are UVA & UVB Rays?
UVA stands for “ultraviolet A” and UVB stands for “ultraviolet B.” Both types of rays come from the sun; UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB do. Both kinds of ultraviolet light can cause sunburns and other types of damage like wrinkles or age spots on your skin.
What Does SPF Stand For & Why Is It Important?
SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” Sunscreens are rated by their level of SPF; the higher the SPF, the more protection you will get from UVB rays. A high-SPF sunscreen should always be used if you’ll be spending time outdoors, as it will provide the most protection from UVB rays.
It is also important to note that SPF does not indicate a level of protection against UVA rays, so always look for a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” for adequate UVA and UVB protection.
Why Is SPF Important?
SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen blocks out UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. The higher the SPF rating, the better protected you will be! So if you want maximum protection from those pesky rays, make sure that you look for a sunscreen with a high SPF rating (at least 30 for adults ad 50 for kids).
Tips For Choosing The Right Sunscreen
Choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky business – there are so many different kinds on the market today! Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options:
Make sure that you pick one with broad-spectrum coverage (meaning that it protects against both UVA & UVB rays).
Check the label for water resistance – this will ensure that it won't wash off when swimming or sweating in the summer heat.
Lastly, look for a formula that contains antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract - these help fight free radicals which can cause premature aging of your skin over time.
I have spent countless hours researching the best sunscreens for kids, you can find the best on the market in my blog:
How To Apply Sunscreen For Best Results
Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside in order to allow time for it to soak into your skin properly. When applying sunscreen make sure that you cover all exposed areas including face, neck, arms, legs etc…
Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating heavily– this will ensure maximum protection throughout the day.
Other Ways To Protect Against Sun Damage Beyond Using Sunscreen Products
There are other ways that you can protect yourself against sun damage beyond using sunscreen products such as wearing long-sleeved shirts/pants made of breathable fabric like cotton or linen; seeking shade; wearing sunglasses; avoiding peak sunlight hours (10am-4pm); and investing in hats with wide brims.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself and your family against UVA & UVB rays doesn't have to be an overwhelming task – just follow these simple tips! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an adequate SPF rating (at least 30), apply it 15 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply regularly throughout the day - this will help keep your skin healthy while still allowing you to enjoy time spent in nature without worrying about sunburns!
Additionally, consider investing in some protective clothing pieces such as hats with wide brims or long sleeved shirts/pants made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in order to provide extra layers of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun .
With these tips under your belt, you're ready go out there and enjoy some fun in the sun without any worries!
