No one likes getting a sunburn. In addition to the pain and eventual skin peeling (really gross!), sunburns are extremely harmful to your skin and significantly boost your risks for skin cancer later in your life.
But in our efforts to protect ourselves from the sun, we too often purchase the wrong sunscreen or fail to use them correctly, leaving us at risk. To help make sure your late summer days are free from sunburns and skin damage, fitness specialist Bob Bonham, founder of the Strong and Shapely Gym in East Rutherford, N.J., offers the following tips for sunscreen use:
> To avoid sunburn and the potential risk of skin cancer, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher about 30 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow time for your skin to absorb the sun-protective compounds.
> Budget or generic brands of sunscreen are just as effective as brand-name products with the same SPF.
> Reapply sunscreen after exercise or swimming, even if the product claims to be "waterproof." Towel drying and perspiration will remove even waterproof products.
> Don't forget to apply sunscreen on overcast days; 80% of the sun's damaging rays are still present even when it's cloudy.
> The recommended amount of sunscreen to apply to one's body is about 40 milliliters, or about a handful.
> Remember that the skin of children, particularly babies, is more sensitive to the sun than adult skin, so be sure to use sunscreen with higher SPFs on kids.
> Sunscreen not only prevents sunburns, but also premature aging. Sun overexposure is the main cause of wrinkles.
