When heading outdoors this spring and summer, don’t forget your sunscreen! Going for a walk, doing yard work, and playing with grandkids in the yard all leave your skin exposed. Read our tips to keep your skin protected during your outdoor fitness adventures!
1. Anything greater than SPF 50 provides the same protection. An SPF of 100 will block 99.00% of UV light and SPF 50 provides 98%.
2. You need to reapply every 2 hours. When the UV light hits the sunscreen, it breaks down the ingredients, therefore losing its effectiveness. It is especially important if you are sweating or swimming to reapply.
3. Don’t wait until your skin is exposed to the sun to apply. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before you go into the sun, allowing the skin time to absorb it. Before you head out on a walk or to garden, make sure it has soaked in.
4. Makeup and moisturizers do not count for sunscreen. Some of these moisturizers have a minimal amount of sunscreen in them therefore it is necessary to put sunscreen on as well.
5. Use Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. When buying a sunscreen it is necessary to get the broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen protects from ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, both which can cause cancer.