Sunscreen Requirements
Using sunscreen every day is important, but you also want to make sure that you are using the right sunscreen. As a consumer, you will find that there are several different types of sunscreen and they all provide different levels of protection.
The first thing that you want to understand about buying a sunscreen is the SPF or sun protection factor. The SPF is essentially a rating that is given to sunscreens to represent their effectiveness at preventing UVB rays from penetrating the skin. A good minimum SPF for your sunscreen would be 15, but if you spend a lot of time outside, then you may want to consider going to something that is rated 30 or higher.
Another thing that you want to look for is sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection. The SPF on sunscreen only covers how well it protects against UVB rays, but your skin can also suffer damage from UVA rays. With a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, you have a product that protects against both.
As an additional point, you may want to look for a sunscreen that is natural. Most of the sunscreen products that you will find are synthetics and while they can do a good job of protecting the skin from sun damage, there are some issues.
Many of the chemicals that can be found in common sunscreen products can damage the skin and clog the pores. This can lead or contribute to various skin problems. Additionally, some of the chemicals are potentially carcinogenic, and while it may take a considerable amount of exposure for the chemical to be a significant threat, sunscreen is a product that you are going to be applying and possibly reapplying on a daily basis.