What To Look For When Purchasing Sunscreen.

It's that time of the year again and if you haven't purchased your sunscreen for the year, it is time to do so. Remember, not all sunscreens are created equal so you can't just walk in, grab something off the shelf, and expect it to be the right one for you. The good news about sunscreen is that it has a shelf life of three years, even if it's been used so this means you do not have to buy it brand new every single year. 

Now if you do need to purchase sunscreen this year, there are some very specific things you should look out for.  One of the first things to search for is the SPF rating.  It needs to have at least an SPF of 30 but could be higher. No matter what, sunscreen needs to be applied every two hours religiously for the best protection.

Next, make sure it is a broad spectrum sunscreen so that it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause your skin to age while UVB rays are responsible for any sunburn you get.  By using a broad spectrum sunscreen, you are able to protect your skin from both.  In addition, look for a water resistant one so it doesn't wash off the minute you go into the water or start sweating because it's extremely hot out.  If you've been in the water or sweating a lot, you'll need to reapply the sunscreen more often, like every 40 to 80 minutes.

Depending on the type of sunscreen, you'll need to make sure it contains certain ingredients.  If you use a physical sunscreen which lies on top of your skin and reflect or scatter rays, look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they are the most effective ingredients.  If you use a chemical based sunscreen which absorb and turn the rays into heat, look for avobenzone or octinoxate.

If you have sensitive skin, you'll want one that is hypoallergenic or created for sensitive skins. It is also important to look for fragrance free sunscreens to decrease the chance of irritations. Furthermore, think about your skin type when purchasing sunscreens.  If you have oily type skin, look for one that is oily free or is classified as a light formulation.  If your skin is dry, look for a product that has moisturizing properties and if you have normal skin, you can use most anything.

Furthermore, think about the way you prefer to apply sunscreen.  Do you want a lotion, spray, a cream, or stick?  Decide which way you want to apply it and purchase a product that meets your requirements.  Finally, do a bit of research to see how people feel about the various brands of sunscreen so you find one that is considered good.

Personally, I prefer to use one type on my face and a different one on my skin.  I usually go for a light formulation on my face so it doesn't feel as if it is clogging up.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.