Sunscreen Know-How

Are you applying your sunscreen in a way that makes it effective? Many people are wearing sunscreen daily, but are not gaining the full benefits of the product. Read on and make sure you are protecting your skin adequately.

1. The sunscreen you choose is very important. There are many "sunscreens" on the market that only provide part of what makes a good sunscreen. Most of the ingredients in sunscreens at the drugstore and department store have what is called a chemical sunscreen. A chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin where it absorbs the penetrating rays. Not all chemical sunscreens are bad, there have been many advances in chemical sunscreen formulations. However, there should be a physical sunblock included in the formulation to provide optimal protection. Physical sunblock does not absorb into the skin. It creates a barrier on top of the skin and reflects the rays off of your skin. This is considered to be a much better protection. There are 2 physical sunblock ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Any other ingredient on the active ingredients list is considered a chemical sunblock. A good sunscreen can include both physical and chemical sunscreens or just physical sunblock. A sunscreen that contains only chemical sunscreen should be considered inferior, regardless of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the percentage of physical block listed, the better.

2. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 prior to sun exposure. Apply your sunscreen every morning as a part of your daily routine. It should be the last skin care product applied before any makeup is applied. An SPF included in makeup should not be considered inadequate unless it contains a good percentage of a physical sunblock ingredient.

3. Apply it to your neck as well as your face.

4. Apply liberally and thoroughly. When applying, make a routine of doing a facial massage to ensure you are taking your time and getting the product dispersed evenly. Sunscreen should be applied so that it covers the area before it all soaks in. Rule of thumb is 1/4 of a teaspoon. Think of this as a dime size amount for the face and neck. If you are struggling to get it to spread to the edges of your face, you can know it is not doing it's job. If you only purchase your sunscreen once or twice a year, you are not applying an effective amount. A 4 ounce tube should last 3-4 months.

5. Be vigilant. Sunscreen does not last all day. A physical block lasts longer than chemical ingredients, however. Chemical ingredients are eventually broken down by the sun and environmental pollutants they are in place to protect you from. Reapply every hour or two, especially if you are spending the day outdoors.

6. Boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Studies have shown that antioxidants applied topically, as well as taken internally, boost the effectiveness and, in some instances the SPF rating, of sunscreen. This should not be taken to mean that your SPF 15 is a 30, if you apply an antioxidant with it. However, any help you can give your skin in fighting the damage of free radicals should be considered beneficial.

7. Enjoy the sun. The sun provides us with beauty, warmth and energy. Make sure to get outdoors a bit every day to enjoy it. Just make sure you are protected.

To learn more about the sunscreens available at Skin Essentials, including their ingredients, click here:http://www.imageskincare.com/sun_.html