Understand the SPF coding & what the differences are. Did you know that using an SPF 30 blocks 97% of the damaging UV rays? Something interesting to note: SPF 50 or high only protects you 2% more! While it's always encouraged to use a higher SPF be sure to reapply just as frequently as if you were using a lower SPF.
A good thing to know is that conventional sunscreen has been shown to protect against UVB rays but the same can't be said about UVA. UVB rays are the ones that make your skin go red and burn but UVA rays are just as damaging; they can heighten the risk of melanoma which is the most fatal type of skin cancer. When buying a sunscreen, opt for one that has broad spectrum protection (it will most likely say that it protects against both UVA and UVB) and has zinc oxide, avobenzone and ecamsule. Sunscreen that boasts "all day protection" is a myth: reapplication is necessary even if you're not sweating or swimming (although if you're doing either of those reapply more frequently).
Scary fact: Did you know over 80,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year and over 1000 Canadians will die of skin cancer related conditions?
Click HERE for more sun-savvy tips to keeping your skin in top condition.
