| | | World
Most Beautiful Beaches |
| If you live near a beach, whether
it be the ocean or a lake, it's a great way to enjoy time with your kids and keep
away the boredom bug. If you don't live near the water, but are planning a vacation
to the beach, here's a list of items that are a must have!
It's okay
to have fun playing in the sun as long as you protect yourself. How do you do
it?
Watch the clock. Stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when
the sun's rays are strongest.
Make it a routine. Use a broad-spectrum
sunscreen every day.
Choose SPF 15. Whenever you go out, use a sunscreen
with a SPF of 15 or higher.
Reapply. If you're out in
the sun between 10 and 4, make sure you slather on more sunscreen (even the waterproof
kind) every 2 hours.
Seek shade. Play in the shade whenever
you can.
Watch out for the pool. Try to stay away from
swimming pools and snow,
which reflect the sunlight. (Reflected light can
burn your skin even faster.)
Cover up. Wear long pants
and shirts with sleeves. If the sun can't get to you, it can't hurt your skin!
Wear a hat. Choose one with a wide (4-inch) brim to protect
your face and neck.
What to look for in your next bottle of sunscreen.
If there's one thing dermatologists would like you to know it's this: Use a sunscreen
everyday. It's a lot easier to choose (and use) a sunscreen if you know what to
look for. Keep your eyes open for these words on your next bottle of sunscreen:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
You should use an SPF
15 sunscreen every day, since that number would block most of the sun's rays.
(If you'll be out in the sun for more than an hour, though, use an SPF 30.) If
you'll be sweating a lot, you may want to use an SPF 30 on your face no matter
what, because the sweat will thin it down to an SPF 15 fast!
PABA or PABA-free.
PABA (short for para-aminobenzoic acid) is used
in many sunscreens. It works well, but some people are allergic to it. If you're
allergic to PABA, use a PABA-free sunscreen instead.
Broad spectrum.
The sun shoots off two different rays that affect your skin: UVA
and UVB.
UVA rays make your skin wrinkle and may cause skin cancer. UVB rays
burn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect your skin from both rays.
Waterproof.
Waterproof sunscreens aren't just important
when you're swimming and windsurfing-they also stay on longer when you sweat.
So if you're active, in or out of the water, a waterproof product may be right
for you.
Lotion, cream or gel.
The type of sunscreen
you choose depends on which you like best. You may want to use a cream on your
face, since gels can sting around your eyes. If you have acne, try a light texture
sunscreen first. (Apply a thick layer, so it will protect you better.)
If you have acne, a waterproof sunscreen could make your skin break out. Try re-applying
your regular sunscreen more often, instead. . | |
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