The sun brightens and warms the earth, but with the human skin, the sun has the power to burn and destroy. With extended unprotected exposure, the sun can damage the skin and cause irreversible health problems.

According to healthsquare.com, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There are two types of rays produced by the sun, UVA and UVB rays, both of which are damaging to the skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, to potentially cause wrinkles and saggy skin, but not sunburn.

UVB rays burn the skin and causes a painful, peeling sunburn. Even when the weather is cloudy, the dangers of sun’s rays are always present. The clouds and smog only block 20 percent of the dangerous rays. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protecting sunglasses can protect the delicates areas around the face but for the most protection, applying sunscreen is the best bet.

Sunscreen needs to be applied before exposure to the sun to be the most effective. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen on the entire body, including ears, hairlines, nose and neck. It is also important to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, especially when active or in water. A day at the beach should drain an entire bottle of sunscreen, if applied properly.

The strength of sunscreen is measured in SPF, or sun protection factor. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection against UVB rays. Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” will protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Reflexive surfaces, such as water or snow, intensify the sun’s rays, so be sure to wear a higher SPF while exposed to these areas. People with fair complexions or taking prescription medication need to pay close attention to their skin

According to healthsquare.com, the best ways to treat sunburn is to take a cool shower to help ease the discomfort, as well as taking over the counter ibuprofen, to reduce swelling of the inflamed nerves under the skin. Rubbing Aloe Vera on the skin eases the burn, especially if it is chilled in the refrigerator. When the sunburn begins to peel, apply baby lotion on the affected area to keep it moisturized. Avoid scented lotions as they can cause irritation to the sensitive, sunbrurned skin.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, predicts the Skin Cancer Foundation. The more sunburns obtained, the higher the risk of devolving skin cancer becomes. Just a few blistering sunburns can double the risk of skin cancer. Family history also is associated with the risk of skin cancer.

Some medications and diseases can increase the risk as well. There are many types and variations of skin cancer, some trickier to spot than others. Dermatologists can treat and diagnose skin cancers. Some cases can be so severe they require chemotherapy and surgery. The American Cancer Society predicts 74,610 new cases of skin cancer this year with 11,590 cases being fatal. Moles that change color or size, bleed, or have an irregular, spreading edge could potentially host skin cancer and should be checked out by a dermatologist.

The consequences of unprotected sun exposure are risky. Taking just a few minutes to apply sunscreen or find some sunglasses is a decision that save your skin or at least prevent painful sunburn.

Best Types of Sunscreen

For EVERYDAY USE: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock Lotion, SPF 85 goes on sheer and clean. It does not clog pores and leave the skin soft and clean feeling. This lotion is also waterproof, sweat-proof, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free.

For the ACTIVE: Banana Boat Sport Performance Clear UltraMist Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 85 is a great sunscreen to use. While swimming and being active outdoors, a long lasting, sweat-proof sunscreen with a high SPF is a must. This sun block easily sprays on and is non-greasy.

For SENSITIVE SKIN: Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion, SPF 55 is hypoallergenic, oil-free, non-greasy and waterproof. This creamy lotion is recommended by dermatologists.

For KIDS: Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50 is great for kids because it is easy to apply, long lasting and water proof. With this easy spray formula, kids do not even need to interrupt their fun to apply sunscreen.

For INFANTS: Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces & Tender Places Sunblock, SPF 60+ is perfect for the delicate skin of an infant as it is enriched with vitamins and minerals to baby smooth skin. This lotion will not run into babies eyes and is waterproof. Recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians and The Skin Cancer foundation, this formula will keep babies protected from the sun.

Source: Walgreens.com

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