Sun, Skin, SPF, and Sunscreen: 12 Must-Knows

Summer is well underway already. Particularly at this time of year, the sun--and both the damage and the benefits it can offer--is intense. Are you taking good care of your skin? Here are twelve must-know facts and guidelines about the sun and your health.

1. The difference between the rays: In terms of skin health, sunlight comes in two types: UVA rays(think "A" for aging) and UVB (think "B" for burning) rays. The UVBs can be the damaging ones you hear so much about.
2. The meaning of SPF: The Sun Proctor Factor in a sunscreen product refers to how long you can stay in the sun without burning unprotected skin.
3. The best SPF for you: I personally don't put on less than the equivalent of a 30 (a total from all the various skin products I use). Be wary of sunscreens with sky-high numbers such as 90. These products may contain more potentially irritating synthetic ingredients. Try to find mineral formulas.
4. Not all sunscreens block both UVA and UVB. Different compounds block different rays. Check labels carefully to make sure your sunscreen does the whole job.
5. The right amount of sunscreen is a minimum of one ounce (think of a full shot glass) per application. Hint: If your 8 oz. sunscreen tube isn't empty after 8 days, you probably didn't use enough. (Another S: Slather!)
6. Reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours of exposure. Follow this rule even if the product says "water resistant." Swimming or perspiring? Yes, you need more. It's a no-brainer.
7. Reapply even more frequently when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice.
8. What time of year to apply: 365 days. While the sun may feel its most intense during the heat of summer, those damaging UVA and UVB rays actually penetrate year-round.
9. My skin doesn't burn easily. Why bother? Even when the damage of a sunbu isn't obvious, underlying damage can happen. Spending too time in the sun without sunscreen or covering can result in annoyances such as wrinkles, freckles, or uneven coloring; the itching and discomfort of dry skin; or truly threatening conditions including skin cancer.
10. Don't forget to protect those tricky places such as ears, exposed scalp (a part, for example, or bald areas), and hands. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen to hands after washing, too.
11. Clothes aren't always enough. Hold clothing up to a light. If you can see light through them, they are too sheer to protect you from sun damage. (Good to know when buying T-shirts or beach coverups.)
12. Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. Check the label. Do yours block UVA and UVB rays? Protecting your eyes from the sun can help prevent cataracts.

Now that you're armed with knowledge, take action to protect yourself. Even if you're not in the Great Outdoors now, you can begin with having the right information. Hold up those favorite summer clothes to the light, and check the label on your sunscreen. If necessary, make a list of things you'll need so you can prepare adequately to prevent damage next time you're out. Remember, the skin is the largest organ in your body. It only makes sense to keep it in good health!