5 essential things you should know about sunscreen

Now that warmer weather is here, and Summer is around the corner, we will need make sure we pack plenty of sunscreen to protect against sunburn, skin cancer and early aging. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting these skin-care products.

Broad spectrum:
Use a broad-spectrum product that targets UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays can cause skin cancer.

SPF30+:
Pick one with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or greater for the optimal level of protection.

Water resistance:
If you are going to spend time on the beach, make sure your sunscreen is water resistant.

Beware of cloudy days:
Use the product even on cloudy days. Harmful rays can pass through clouds.

Apply well, apply often:
Do not skimp. Apply skin protection to all exposed skin, including face, ears and hands. Put it on 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Sunscreens are available in several forms, including lotions, creams, gels and sticks and sprays. The form doesn’t matter as long as the protection is used, so people should buy the one they like the best. Sprays are often the easiest to put on someone else, so many parents choose them.

Tourists in hot destinations such as Florida, Mexico and Cuba should complement their skin protection with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and loose, long sleeves when appropriate. If they do get sunburn, they should avoid more exposure, take a cool bath and try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to ease discomfort.