Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sun Tan Lotions Are Essential Products

By Haywood Hunter


In the United States alone, over one million individuals are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer on an annual basis. Cancers of this type are associated with regular exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays. Sun tan lotions were designed to help one protect his or her skin from cancer and sunburn.

Those searching for ways to protect themselves from the harmful rays of sun should consider investing in a quality lotion that will help them achieve this goal. However, it is important to be aware of certain facts before one chooses such a product. Suntan lotion is a term that covers a broad range of formulas, such as sunscreen or sunblock. It can also refer to products that attract the sun, which are used by those who want to achieve a dark tan.

Sunscreens absorb UV rays and then release them as heat. They prevent the rays from reaching the innermost dermal layers of one's skin. Sunblock reflects the rays away from the person's body completely to another surface. Both work well, but many experts recommend sunblock, as this will ensure that little or no harmful rays are absorbed by the user's skin.

Most sun tan lotions feature active ingredients called zinc oxide and titanium oxide, with the exception of tanning accelerators. In the case of the latter, the product will probably not contain the ingredients listed above. For this reason, it is important for consumers to carefully read the labels of any formula they are thinking of buying, as this will ensure that they make the most suitable selection.

If one's goal is to prevent skin damage or cancer, he or she should carefully evaluate the sun protection factor of any product being purchased. This is often referred to simply as the product's SPF. The latter is displayed as a number on the bottle, typically from 2-60. The higher the SPF is in the blend, the more sun protection the product offers.

It is also essential for individuals to realize that some lotions block both UVB and UVA rays, but some only block one or the other. Even though both can have dangerous side effects, UVA rays are more dangerous than UVB rays. Anyone who wants to get as much protection from the sun as possible should choose a blend that counteracts both types of rays.

Sunscreens should be rubbed into one's skin about one half hour prior to sun exposure. This ensures that the product has a suitable amount of time to be absorbed into the person's skin, where it will work effectively to prevent damage. Any body part that will be exposed to sun should be treated with sunscreen or sunblock. It is also wise to reapply the lotion according to manufacturer's directions.

Sun tan lotions can be purchased online or in traditional bricks and mortar establishments. However, as previously mentioned, one must take care to purchase only high-quality products, or they will be of little or no help in preventing skin cancer or sunburn. Regardless of the product one chooses, exercising wisdom concerning sun exposure is always in his or her best interest.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment