Sunblock can help you reduce the risk of skin cancer by absorbing, reflecting and scattering the suns UV rays. There are many types of sunblocks that comes in lotions, gels, creams and sprays. You want to choose the sunblock that is the best for your skin type and the type of activity level. When applying sunblock you want to apply it generously to all exposed skin about 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every few hours or sooner if you are swimming or sweating, or after drying with a towel. Sun screen has benefits to use year round even on cloudy days. Even though sunblock is an effective tool against sunlight and UV exposure you want to reduce your risk by seeking shade and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours.
If you are sensitive to chemicals or lotions and creams, you may want to opt for a hypoallergenic sunblock which will still provide you with great protection but will not irritate your skin. Be sure that the sunblock is right for your activity level.
Some sunblock are more effective at blocking UV rays than others. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn. The higher the number the more protection it provides however, it is important to remember that any sunblock no matter how good it is can’t block all the sun.
When you are shopping for a sunblock at a minimum you should look for one that is at least an SPF of 30 and can support your activity level such as swimming.
If you are looking for natural sunblocks there are a few on the market which use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays.
