The Truth about sunscreen.
When you are visiting here in Myrtle Beach, we definitely recommend you use the appropriate sunscreen and make sure to use it often. Some things you will want to understand before you purchase the right sunscreen to protect yourself against.
Sunscreen messes with your body’s natural defenses against the sun’s radiation: a sunburn is a gentle reminder to get out of the sun before the bad radiation shows up. The best way to protect yourself from UVA radiation but still get a good dose of vitamin D is to adopt the philosophy of “everything in moderation”. Go out in the sun (sans sunscreen) but don’t stay out too long. When determining ‘how long is too long’ take these factors into consideration:
• your skin tone
• the heat of the day, cloud coverage etc.
• the time of day (burn time will be longer in the evenings and early mornings)
• location (In New Zealand the burn time is announced as part of the weather report and is usually under 10 minutes)
Small amounts of sun are healthy. Adults and children should remain indoors (at work and school or play) during the hottest part of the day, and when they venture out they should be sure to cover themselves properly. Schedule gardening, errands, play, etc., for early morning or evening hours. Our recommendation for protection: Loose-fitting clothing, shady trees and big floppy hats. Organic cotton is a good way to go!
Tests Reveal Top Performing Sunscreens
In tests of 22 sprays, creams, and lotions, we found nine that provided excellent protection against UVB radiation (which causes sunburn) even after immersion in water, along with very good protection against UVA radiation (which penetrates deeper than UVB, tanning and aging skin).
What was found. No one type—spray, cream, or lotion—protected best.
Three Best Buys: Up & Up Sport SPF 30 (Target), No-Ad with Aloe and Vitamin E SPF 45, and Equate Baby SPF 50. The Up & Up is a spray while the other two products are lotions. Although most products were excellent against UVB rays before water immersion, three were just OK, and some lost effectiveness after dunking. Most were very good against UVA rays, but Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard was merely fair. (It’s a sunscreen and bug spray in one, not the best idea: In reapplying it for sun protection, you might overdo bug protection.)
Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. Wear protective clothing and limit time in the sun. Your sunscreen should be water resistant, with an SPF of at least 30. Above 30, there’s not much more protection. You need to reapply any sunscreen every 2 hours or so anyway and after swimming or sweating. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of a lotion on most of your body, or “spray as much as can be evenly rubbed in,” says Jessica Krant, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, “then go back over every area and spray them all completely again.”
Remember, the key facts and take care of your skin.
