We all know that protecting our skin from the sun is important but did you know that a recent study shows that Canadians require more education on sun protection? How much do you really know about selecting a sunscreen, how often to reapply and how much sunscreen to use? In this post, I will provide sunscreen tips from Aveeno and put an end to some myths about sun protection.
To start with, let’s take a closer look at some common misconceptions that Canadians have about sun protection.
How many of the above are you guilty of? I know I am guilty of quite a few. I used to go tanning on a regular basis because I believed it made my very pale skin look healthier. I lather my son in sunscreen before we go outside but I often don’t put any on myself. I used to think that I needed a base tan before vacation so that I wouldn’t burn on the beach. These are all myths and bad habits that I need to change. How many of the above are you guilty of? Let me know in the comments below.
Sunscreen Tips:
- In order to achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), you should be applying about the amount of an ice cream scoop.
- Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun.
- Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more often if you are swimming or heavily perspiring.
- Use a sunscreen that offers both UVA & UVB protection. UVA rays penetrate the lower layers of the skin and cause visible signs of aging. UVB rays penetrate the upper layer of the skin and cause the skin to burn.
- The hours between 10am and 4pm are the most hazardous for UV exposure.
- Always check the sunscreen’s expiration date (printed on the bottle).
My family uses the Aveeno line of sunscreen products. My favourite for my son is the Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Face sunscreen. It is in a style similar to a deodorant that is rolled on right from the sunscreen stick. It is thick enough that my son can’t rub some of it off and into his eyes.
What are your best sunscreen tips?
*Disclosure: I am part of the Aveeno Active Naturals Brand Ambassador program. All opinions expressed here are my own.