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As ultra-violet rays account for a majority number of cases of skin cancers, protection against these rays is not only important but worthwhile in maintaining the beauty and well being of your skin.
Sunblock or sunscreen has proved to be effective and is a convenient choice to use. However, there are some information that people should bear in mind in selecting these products and using them.
SPF – SPF stands for sun protection factor. It indicates the number of times your original time (for reddening your skin) can be extended. For instance, an SPF of 15 means that it would take 15 times longer to redden than without the sunscreen. For normal commuting and daily wear, a SPF of at least 15 is recommended.
Broad spectrum protection – preferably look for the ones that offer the broad spectrum protection, that is, with both UVA and UVB protection.
Water-resistant – you will get even more protection from a product that is labeled “water-proof”. The water-resistant products generally afford full protection for forty minutes in water and also provide better protection even if you sweat heavily.
Allergic Reaction – try to stay away from products containing the chemical like PABA as some people could develop an allergic reaction to it.
Useful active ingredients – look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide, micronized zinc oxide or avobenzone. Zinc oxide is effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply regularly – depending on the SPF values, sunscreen should be reapplied at appropriate intervals. This should be done even more often if you are sweating or swimming or in an environment that intensifies the reflection of the sun’s rays. A good example o the latter would be winter sports.