Do you want sensational summer skin? Use sunscreen!
Although the majority of Americans consider a tan to be a true mark of beauty, we need to remember that the sun's exposure can have some truly damaging effects on our skin, including a harsh sunburn, premature wrinkling and brown spots. On a more serious level, too much sun exposure can result in forms of cancer — melanoma, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
Here are some tips to help you make it through the summertime rays without feeling the burn.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen comes in all kinds of packages, from lotions and sprays to gels and sticks. Whatever form you choose, they all have the same goal: protecting your skin by reflecting or absorbing the sun's UV radiation.
Decoding the labels
UV - ultra violet radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn, wrinkling, premature aging and skin cancer
UVA - long wave-length bands of light that penetrate more deeply; less likely to cause burning, but more likely to cause skin cancer
UVB - short wave-length bands of light that affect the outer layer of your skin; responsible for sunburns
SPF - stands for Sun Protection Factor; the number that follows, usually a 15 or 30, represents the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen provides; the higher the number, the more protection the sunscreen provides
Sunscreen school
Charm spoke with Longview dermatoligists Dr. Larry Smith, M.D. and Dr. Stephen Beck, M.D. to see what over-the-counter sunscreens ranked highest on their list of "bests."
Dr. Beck's office said any sunscreen with zinc oxide, which is a UVA and UVB blocker, would work, and Dr. Smith's office offered up some advice on good Neutrogena and Bull Frog products.
Here's an assortment of great sunscreens out on the shelves at Longview's CVS and Walgreens:
SPF 0-30
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunblock Stick, Oil-Free SPF 30, Walgreens, $9.99
Stick protects against skin-aging UVA and burning UVB rays with advanced, broad-spectrum sunscreens, and smoothes on easily and evenly for convenient, hands-free application.
SPF 30+
Blue Lizard Australian Suncream SPF 30+ Sport, $9.99, CVS
Lotion helps prevent sunburn and photodamage caused by UVA/UVB exposure, and it retains its SPF after 240 minutes of activity in water. (Dr. Beck's pick!)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70, $10.99, CVS
Spray goes on with an ultra-light mist, it's non-greasy, waterproof and has a weightless clean feel with broad-spectrum coverage. (Dr. Smith's pick!)
Bull Frog Quik Gel Sunblock with UV Extender, SPF 36, $8.99, Walgreens
Gel provides more complete, longer-lasting UVA/UVB protection whether you are in, on or out of the water. Dries instantly, is oil-free and won't clog pores.
Don't forget ...
Your face and your lips need protection, too!
Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, $16.50, 1.4 fl oz, Dillard's
Get daily sun protection in a sheer, weightless formula. Its antioxidants help protect against environmental irritants. You can wear it alone or as an invisible under-makeup primer.
Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face SPF 30, $22, 1.7 fl oz., Dillard's
This water-resistant formula smooths on to help prevent visible signs of aging with a broad-spectrum sun defense system. It also helps protect with advanced antioxidant and rich moisturizers specially formulated for delicate facial skin.
Mary Kay Lip Protector Sunscreen SPF 15, $7.50, .16 oz net wt
This little stick packs a lot of protection. It's made with moisturizers and antioxidants, and it keeps lips protected from the drying effect of sun and wind. Use it alone or under lipstick or lip gloss. *Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
"It?s important to get a good, solid pair of sunglasses. UV rays are very dangerous to the eyes ... they can cause cataracts," said Kesha Jackson of at Longview Eye Associates. "Look for sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection. You can also look for polarized lenses, which are lenses that not only offer UV protection, but also eliminate outside glares, whether you?re driving a car or boating on the lake."
Kesha Jackson of Longview Eye Associates
