Top 9 Things You Need To Know About Sunscreen

By: Sassy Auburn

It’s summer. It’s getting hot. It’s getting humid. It’s getting to be the time where us redheads have to protect ourselves from the sun. It is easy to go out to the drugstore and grab a sunscreen to protect yourself. But, there are some things you may not know about sunscreen and your skin that are VERY IMPORTANT before you step one foot outside into the sun this season. Take heed:

1. The term “broad-spectrum” means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

2. If the SPF is 15 or higher, the FDA says the sunscreen can state that it can protect your against skin cancer.

3. Redheads are considered Skin Types I and Skin Type II, which means they easily burn and very seldom tan. These skin types can sustain damaging burns in as little as 17 minutes.

4. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent skin damage. Redheads are suggested to use an even higher SPF.

5. Make sure you use enough! It is suggested to use enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. Don’t skimp to save money–you’ll pay in the long run.

6. Don’t forget to cover the most often missed spots with sunscreen: behind the knees, the tops of the feet, the tops of the hands, your ears and of course your head. If you want to stay protected, but still look fab get yourself a chic hat.

7. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, no matter if you are wearing SPF 50. ALWAYS reapply after swimming or going into the water.

8. Some sunscreens have an expiration date. Throw it out if it has passed. If it doesn’t, and you know when you bought it, it will retain its original strength for three years after application. However, if you use the right amount, a bottle should last you a year or less.

9. Fight those rays and keep your skin happy and healthy. You’re going to need it for the rest of your life. Always use your sunscreen and always use it right. This year, I’ve been using L’Oreal Paris ‘Sublime Sun’ Advanced Sunscreen Oil SPF 50+ for body and L’Oreal Paris ‘Sublime Sun’ Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ Liquid Silk Sunshield for face. They are “redhead friendly,” I love the scent, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and I find it really blocks damaging rays.

There you go, redheads. Let the shine and be safe. Rock it like a Redhead!