How to Choose the Right Suncreen

1. Pick a broad spectrum one that protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- Some key ingredients to look for in sunscreen are oxybenzone, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate, sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide

2. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
- SPF refers to the product's ability to screen the sun's burning rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
Let us take for instance a fair-skinned person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes in the sun. Ten minutes is their "initial burning time." If that person uses a sunscreen with SPF 2, it takes 20 minutes in the sun for that person's skin to turn red. Now, if that person uses a sunscreen with SPF 15, it multiplies the initial burning time by 15, so it takes 150 minutes, or 2 and half hours, for that person's skin to turn red.

3. Non-greasy ones absorb quickly and don't leave a thick film behind.

4. Just because it's more expensive does not mean it's more effective. Why shell out thirty bucks for a 3oz. bottle of sunscreen when you can get a 6 oz. one for one third of the price?

5. Some ingredients in sunscreen degrade over time, so be sure to check the expiration date.

How to Apply Sunscreen

1. Before applying, shake the bottle well to mix ingredients that may have separated.

2. Apply at least thirty minutes before going out in the sun. This gives it time to absorb into the skin so it's less likely to rub off.

3. Be extremely careful when applying around the eyes.

4. Use sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin including arms, back, legs, neck , ears, etc.

5. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen, one ounce (an entire handful) should be used for the entire body.

6. Reapply after swimming or sweating.

7. Wash your hands after applying sunscreen. If you don't wash your hands and you rub your eyes, they'll turn into a painful, stinging, blurry mess.
- If you do get sunscreen in your eyes, flush with cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If I were you, I'd just wash my damn hands right after applying.

So, which sunscreen is my favorite?

I use Coppertone Ultrasheer Sunscreen, SPF 45 everyday. It's non-greasy, doesn't leave a filmy residue, and doesn't seep into my eyes. It also makes a great makeup primer!

Thanks to WebMD Health and MedicineNet.com for the information.