A Guide to choosing the Best sunscreen.

The heat is crazy. Personally, I avoid leaving the house between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. Sunscreen is essential for everybody. But before blindly purchasing one, it is important to put in mind important guidelines concerning how to choose the best product for your skin.

• Ensure that it offers a broad spectrum of protection from both Ultraviolet-A (UVA) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. The difference between the two is that UVB radiation usually causes more of the sunburns whereas the UVA rays penetrate deeper and lead to premature aging of the skin and cancer.
• Take a good look at the ingredients present in the sunscreen. It would be wise to avoid those that have oxybenzone and Vitamin A. these chemicals will often act as toxins which can evoke cancer. One of the fastest ways to absorb toxins is through the skin therefore caution is important.
• A key factor that most people look at is the SPF value. SPF is the Sun Protection Factor. It ranges from 15, 30,45 up to 100+. normally, one will assume the higher the number, the more protection from the UVA rays. however, sun lotions which have higher SPF values of up to 100 can be harmful since they will often scatter and reflect the rays rather than deal with them in a linear fashion. in most instances, an SPF value of 30 will work sufficient enough. no need to blow money on higher SPF values which will require you to keep on reapplying from time to time for the best results.
• if your debating on getting a spray or a lotion, it is advisable to acquire lotion ; not only is it easy to apply, it also saves you from inhaling chemicals that are potentially dangerous.
• some products will be manufactured in the U.S while others will be manufactured within the European Union. since those manufactured in Europe are allowed to use more ingredients in the manufacturing process, they tend to offer better protection from the UVA and UVB rays in comparison to those made in the states.
• ensure that the bottle indicates that the product is water resistant. if it doesn't, then it probably isn't. this is important because it ensures that the sunscreen maintains its effectiveness especially if you plan to do exercises or swim.
• after making the purchase, it is wise that you apply it everyday whether it is sunny or not because even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through your skin.and if you are in the sun for a period longer than two hours, you should ensure you keep on reapplying it after 2 hours.

Personally, i use the Cyclax spf 45 suncreen and it works fine. I particularly love it because it is water resistant, anti-oxidant, has UVA/UVB rays protection and Aloe Vera as well. just perfect! you can check out sunscreens from brands such as Nivea, L'oreal, Mac, Vichy, Clinique, Olay and Aveeno.

Am so grateful that you stopped by!