There is no shortage of warnings telling us of the dangers of exposing our skin to harmful UV and UVB rays. Wearing a reliable sunscreen, protective clothing and seeking shelter are the only ways to protect our skin. By decreasing the risk of sunburn now, we decrease the risk of wrinkles, premature aging and skin cancer in the future.
Many of us apply a moisturizer to our faces but often forget to slather on the sunscreen before we head out into the sun.
Here's a tip that will save you money: cut out the facial moisturizer and stick to a lotion sunscreen for daytime use as it is a sufficient moisturizer. There are plenty of creams that can be applied at night if you are concerned about looking after the wrinkles.
There are an enormous variety of products that have a formulation for hydrating the skin. Some were shelved with regular face and body lotions while others are with the sunscreens.
It is also important to note that a sunscreen doesn't have to be expensive to be effective.
An example is Olay Complete All Day that cost around $15. It has a SPF 15 which is sufficient if you are not working outdoors or have fair, freckled skin. It is also approved by the Dermatology Association which assures that it has met with their approval and contains a formulation that blocks harmful ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays.
Some younger people often avoid using a sunscreen as the greasy formula causes their skin to break out. Look for ones that have a light, non-greasy formula. One such lotion is the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock with an SPF of 30.
Under make-up or on their own, products like Olay Complete and the Neutrogena will leave your face feeling moist and smooth.
With the convenience of using the same lotion as a moisturizer and a sunscreen, it's easier to remember to put it on before you go out.
Make sure to get more information about sun protection products and how to use them from a reputable source such as the Canadian Dermatology Association.
[Photographs copyright by Linda Dunbar. Reproduction prohibited]
