Thursday, April 23, 2009

Apply Sunblock; A quick read on things to consider

Tips on Applying Sunblock, things you might not have thought of...we've thought of for you!

1. Apply sunblock before putting on your swimsuit. I was once told by a dermatologist that many major sunburns occur where skin touches the swimsuit. When applying we have a tendancy to avoid the sunblock touching fabrics because we don't want to stain our swimsuits and ruin them. If sunblock is applied prior to getting dressed, then you can be sure that you are covered where skin meets fabric without ruining the suit!

2. Slip-Slop-Slap. These are words of a health campaign reminding people to "slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat" when they go out into the sun. That being said, SunFriendlyProducts.com would like to refer to our first tip, and suggest you Slop-Slip-Slap!

3. Read the bottle for application times. Some suggest re-applying sunblock every two hours, but be sure to read the bottle to see what the manufacturer recommends.

4. Know what you are looking for in a sunblock There are many sun blocks on the market. Some chemical free, fragrance free, water-proof, water-resistant, etc. The manufacturers of a sunblock create varying formulas, and some might not offer the same protection as the next. For example, Blue Lizard Sport which does have chemicals, has been tested to retain its full SPF in 240 minutes in water. The Sensitive formula has the identical SPF, but no where on the bottle does it state that it retains its full SPF in water. Know your sunblocks and read the label so you can be sure you are using it properly.

5. Check the date on the bottle Make sure your sunblock has not expired, sunblock has a shelf-life.

6. Don't rely soley on sunblockSunblock comes in more forms than lotion. SunFriendlyProducts.com has coined the term, "Sunblock is not the exclusive source of sun protection", we need to rethink sunblock, it comes in the form of UV blocking clothing as well.

7. Allergies We speak with people all the time that talk about their children and reactions to sun block. The best way to check for allergies to sunblock is to apply a nickel-sized drop to the skin a day before heading out to see how your body reacts to the product. This is especially important in babies. If you have found allergic reactions, then try a chemical-free formula, don't give up on it! As always, make sure to check with your doctor regarding sunblock recommendations.

Labels: , , , , ,