Skin Care After Sun Exposure and Sunburns

We have looked at various sunscreen lotion aimed at protecting your skin while on the beach, working in your garden or simply reading a good book at the local park. We have all experienced sunburns at one time or another. Either we forgot the sunscreen application not realizing the strength of the UV index or we simply thought a quick sun exposure will facilitate and expedite a quick tanned look. One must remember that many sunburn areas of our body are the one we likely ignore all the time, such as our lips, our nose, and also our head. Yes our head, even though we have hair and also some don't, which makes it worst but our scalp is vulnerable to sun exposure. Since applying sunscreen in our hair to reach our scalp, a sun-brimmed hat is the best approach. But if you have a Yul Brynner look and and you have no hair, a sunscreen is strongly recommended.

Sunburns can have a devastated effect on your skin and the long term side effects are apt to occur if not taken care right away. Factors such as aging skin, dry skin, and even skin cancer are dangers which must be considered. Frequent sunburns are dangerous and must be properly cared. I will always remember that one trip to Miami, in my teenage years where I fell asleep by the pool and slept all afternoon in my lounge chair. When I woke up at 4:00pm; I couldn't move and the comparison to a lobster were close. Needless to say, the rest of my vacation was a nightmare, in my room shaking like it was 20 degrees Farenheit and walking like a robot. All this to say, the sun gave me eventually 2nd degree burns on my chest, legs and face. To this day, 28 years later, I remember like it was yesterday. I have noticed since my skin is more sensitive to the sun and I must be vaery careful now.

It doesn't take long get burnt by the sun in 2010. If you listen to your local radio weather news, they will tell you what the UV Index for that day and tell you how long before your skin will burn if unprotected. Always take that info with you when heading outside in the sun. It may save your life! By knowing the UV index, you will find out too what type of sunscreen you need to bnring with you.

Home care remedies as prescribed by our parents and grandparents are still good natural options. A cool bath or cool compress is one of the first option that come to my mind. If you have aloe plants and you can apply aloe extract to the compress it will enhance the soothing effect and provide nutrients to the burnt skin. Alternatively, you can also use one- half cup of ordinary baking soda into a tub full of water. Using lubricants such as Vaseline can also provide skin care. However, this type of lubricant retains heat and therefore should not be used during the first day of sunburn. Some people use benzocaine to relieve pain. However, this can cause skin irritation and may lengthen the course of healing. To ease the pain caused by sunburn, aspirin may be taken. I recommend to keep the skin as moist as much as possible. Again, aloe cream can also be beneficial. Finally do not re-expose the sunburnt area of your skin for at least 72 hours. And when exposed after that rehabilitation period, ensure you have protected it with a proper clothing apparel that will not rub against the irritated skin. And if you don't cover the area with clothing, use a strong sunscreen with an SPF of 30 as a minimum.

Be careful when heading out next time because the sun won't tell you when you're done!

Sunscreen Options Part II

In my previous post, we did look at some of the sunscreen option out there which are made for all type of activities and all type of skin. At Dermstore, the array of selection of sunscreen available is excellent. I must mention they are recommended by certified dermatologists.

Keeping in mind our little one and protecting their skin is a product offered by Dermstore called: SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion - Citronella Bug Blend (2.9 oz.) It's a is a non-chemical broad-spectrum sun block that is ideal for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. This sunscreen features a blend of natural plant and flower extracts to naturally repel insects. The soothing formula even helps relieve existing bug bites. This light, elegant lotion glides on easily and lasts for hours. Even after 80 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still protects your skin and your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays.

One other product is the Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 (3 oz.) which is a broad-spectrum formulation that uses 7% transparent zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate to protect the skin against UVA and UVB damage. Featuring an elegant, moisturizing base, it promises a comfortable finish that's perfect for high-altitude climates. Free of PABA, oils and fragrances, this formulation may be used for all skin types, including sensitive. With an SPF 30, this ultimate UV defense sunscreen will minimize skin damage and while creating a comfortable moist skin

Finally, I couldn't resist talking about the Defense UV Extra Comfort Sunscreen SPF 20 (7.04 oz.) which is This soothing and softening sunscreen provides moderate protection against UVA and UVB rays while ensuring an even, gradual suntan. Perfect for use on the face and body and suitable for use by all skin types. It's soothing effect will make your skin feel soft and avoid any crispiness created by sun overexposure.

Well, have a look at these sunscreen; they each have their own benefits and advantages. Thery will be an added safeguard against sunburns created by UVA / UVB rays. Let me know what you think and feel free to comment.

Suncreen Options

As I discussed in the previous post, it's important to select the right sunscreen for your skin. It is certainly overwhelming to be in a drugstore and having to choose the right sunscreen. Again, like I mentioned previously, selecting the right for sunscreen is on your own terms but also which is the amount of activity you are doing. If you are a sun worshipper with limited activity maybe a waterproof sunscreen is not what you need. If you're someone who will be surfing, snorkeling, in a tropical country, then your options will be different.

The array of selection is vast and to narrow it down; I hope this post will make it easier for all to select the best sunscreen out there as the summer is fast approaching. My main basin of selections comes from Dermstore. DermStore.com is a health & beauty ecommerce site that was created by a board certified dermatologist who saw the need to provide accurate skin care information and qualified, healthy skin care product solutions on the web. Since its launch in 1999, DermStore has grown to offer a range of more than 300 skin care and cosmetic brands along with expert advice and esthetician recommended regimens. Because they are online only, it makes it easier to select the right sunscreen for you and actually any skin care products. Their product offering consists of brands with physician-strength formulas otherwise only available through a doctor’s or surgeon’s office, widely available quality drugstore brands, exclusive spa care lines, salon -grade brands, and difficult to find niche and specialty brands from around the world.

When looking at the various sunscreen Dermstore offers, they have a large selection of products ranging in prices and quality. With nearly 500,000 new cases of skin cancer yearly, growing awareness of sun exposure has led to advances in sun protection. The sun produces two types of ultraviolet radiation that affect the skin. UVB, also know as the burning ray, is the shorter wavelength and is more damaging. UVA, the aging ray, is longer and is damaging to the skin as well. There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, which are less irritating, work by reflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the ultraviolet rays. Most sunscreens today contain both, known as broad spectrum sunscreen. A sunscreen’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how long someone can stay out in the sun without burning. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 lets you stay out in the sun 15 times longer than without sunscreen.

Some of the products they have at an affordable price while still have an excellent quality is: One Extraordinary Sunscreen SPF 20 (2 oz.) .This non-chemical sunscreen uses natural zinc oxide to provide physical protection against UVA and UVB sun rays. Its gentle formulation is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, making it perfect for the entire family. With regular use, this elegant formulation can help prevent premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, collagen damage and even skin cancer.

One other product for the beach volleyball enthusiast is: Play-Day Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) This sunscreen is made for a day of play in the sunshine completes your day with the proper protection. This lightweight sunscreen from Noodle and Boo offers non-irritating UV protection that’s non-oily and water resistant. Aloe and vitamin E nourish and protect while SPF 30 prevents skin damage and painful burns. This quick-drying formula is hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.

And if you bring the children to the beach, their skin being very sensitive to sun exposure will appreciate the excellent sun protection from:  SPF 18 Moisturizing Sunscreen (4.5 fl oz.) This California Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a non-chemical broad-spectrum sun block that is ideal for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. This sunscreen is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it is free of common allergens. Its light lemongrass fragrance refreshes the senses This light, elegant lotion glides on easily and lasts for hours. Even after 40 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still protects your skin and your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays. Ideal for use every day of the year to protect against UVA and UVB sun rays.

I have many more sunscreen products of high quality at a very decent price through Dermstore. DermStore is your one stop shop for all your skin care and cosmetic needs. But their vast array of sunscreen is next to none recommended by certified dermatologists.  Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen from Dermstore! and let me know how it works for you. In my next post, we will further explore other sunscreen which have a lasting effect on your skin.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

In my previous post, I talked on how the sun can seriously damage your skin and what is the best protection against sun exposure. Although clothing, sun-hats are important to sun protection, an efficient sunscreen is important is essential to protect the bare part of your body fully exposed to the UV rays.

Heading to the local drugstore and choosing a sunscreen which will work for you can be quite a task. Which one to choose? Do I go for a water resistant sunscreen? Which SPF do I need? How much do I want to pay for it. And yes, we also ensure what they smell like...

Let's look at what kind of SPF you need. First SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and we all know the higher the SPF number, the longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. How it is graded is as follow: take the common SPF 15, if you are using an SPF 15, for a person that it generally take 15 minutes to burn with an SPF 15 will allow the same person to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning. That is the principle of the number with the acronym SPF. Of course factors such as a proper application like a certain amount prior to head out in the sun are important. Most dermatologist and health care specialist will recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Myself, depending on the UV index of the day, I will often use a 30 or even higher. Also factors such as where you are located geographically and how you are planning to be outin the sun are also issues to consider. Most of the sunscreen found out there in drugstore or from dermatologist range from 2 to 60. It's important you choose what is best for your skin. Some people have a darker complexion and pigmentation which is also a factor. If you burn easily, you will want to go higher than an SPF 15 and consider an SPF 30 or even SPF 45. keep in mind that an SPF 50 will only provide 2% more protection than an SPF 30.

Next you want to consider what kind of sunscreen will best fit your activities for the day. Do you want a water resistant sunscreen or a waterproof one. If you are planning to be in the water such as swiiming, surfing, you will want to select a waterproof sunscreen. The difference resides in the amount of time you will be protected from the sun exposure while in the water. A waterproof sunscreen will be more effective and should normally last 60 to 90 min while a water resistant should last half that time.

Next thing you want to understand are the types of UV rays. There are two types: the UVA and UVB. Try to find a sunscreen that will cover both types of rays. It will be indicated on the tube or bottle and should be verified prior to purchasing a sunscreen. The difference in the types of rays that UVA are mostly responsible for the aging effect of the sun while the UVB are the one causing sunburns. Both can cause skin cancer and shouldn't be overlooked.

Like I said above, people will even buy sunscreen because they smell nice but that shouldn't be the dominating factor in purchasing a good sunscreen. be careful on possible allergies some may cause you. depending on the ingredients used in them, some suncreen may be allergenic to some people's skin and create rashes and itchy skin. One other part not to forget to protect is your lips. There are good sunscreen lip balm that will keep you lips moist while protecting them from the sun.

Bottom line of all this is to get a sunscreen which will protect your skin based on your activities for the day. i recommend buying two different SPF level and at least a SPF 15 as your lowest SPF level of sunscreen. I strongly disagree in buying  the oil one with an SPF 4 that makes your skin smell like a coconut tree. What you need is sun protection. Your skin will thank you when get back from the beach... In my next post, i will look at some of the efficient sunscreen out there which will make your skin soft, not oily and water resistant / water proof.  

Sun Protection and Sunscreen

As Spring is intensifying and the world seems to come back to life we are of course driven to head outside and take advantage of the nice weather and to have the sun hit our cheeks. I am totally for it as long as it is taken in moderation. You see a small dose of sun is good for your skin. But too much could be the precursor for first a bad sunburn but also skin problems  such as skin cancer if you abuse it too much. That's why a good sun protection routine is to your advantage.

What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Sunburns can be prevented in many ways. The best ways to avoid sunburn are to limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m, wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed sun hat, a shirt with sleeves that cover the arms and a long skirt or pants with long legs, use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are to wear shorts stay in the shade.

With all the discussions about how the ozone layer depleting and the sun increasing its rays on us; the sunscreen market has expanded and created a vast array of selection of sunscreen products out there. Heading to the local drug store you will see many brands and strength of protection offered. At times this can be quite confusing. Which one to use? But first know what a sunscreen is. A sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

Many cream and lotion are graded by SPF. SPF is an abbreviation for sun-protection factor associated with a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

A common mistake by many is applying too little sunscreen, which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. In a future post we will look at the good sunscreen out there in preparation for the sunny seasons. Have fun in the sun....