5 Best Sunscreens Plus 1

Now that the summer months are here again and you are going outside and playing in the sun, let’s not forget to protect our skin by using sunscreen. If you do get sunburned I’ll tell you what you should use afterward. Here are 5 of the best sunscreens plus 1

Sunscreen Vs Sunblock

Have you always wondered what the difference is between sunscreen and sunblock well here is a quick rundown on both so you know which one you should use before heading out the door to play in the sun.

Sunblock

As the name says, it blocks the UV rays of the sun from reaching your skin. Not saying that some UV rays might get to your skin and cause damage but if applied right, it will be a lot safer with sunblock.

Sunblock can be a lot thicker than sunscreen and leaves a white, clay look on your skin until it is absorbed into your skin. It is the better choice for those of you with sensitive skin because it has a different formula or less of the chemicals in it than sunscreen.

Sunscreen

It absorbs the UV rays mostly, allowing you to stay in the sun a lot longer without getting burned or causing skin damage. But unlike sunblock sunscreen is thinner and wears off a lot faster.

If you want to wear sunscreen year-round but don’t want the heavy, greasy feeling from a sunblock then you can go with sunscreen with an SPF 15 base. Which gives you some protection from the sun’s rays and SPF 15 is a good sunscreen if you want to gradually get a tan while going through your daily routine outside.

SPF Ratings

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It can range from 2 to 100. The FDA introduced the ranges in 1978 even though it has been around since the early 40s so what do the SPF numbers mean? Here is a breakdown of it:

• SPF 15 blocks 93% of the UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks 98% of the UVB rays
• SPF 100 blocks 99% of the UVB rays

Since there is only a 1% difference between each number past SPF 30. So if the higher the number the better the protection?

Not necessarily because the higher the number also means the thicker the solution so if you go with the SPF 100 it would be kind of like trying to put frosting on a cake.

You have to work at it to get a good covering and make it even. When using one that’s a little lower of a number you’ll be able to get better coverage the first time you apply it.

And no matter which SPF you go with it is still recommended that you reapply it every 1-2 hours, after every dip in the water, and even more if you are sweating a lot, to reduce the risk of skin cancer and the signs of aging.

You also need to use 1 ounce of it to get a good covering so don’t go skimping out on the goods, pour it on. Most people say 30 or higher is a good one to go with but use the SPF 15 for everyday use. When choosing one try to find one that is a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB protection.

And if you think just because you have dark skin you don’t need sunscreen, think again. You may not burn as fast as lighter-colored skin but you are still at risk of getting skin damage, like skin cancer and the signs of aging. The good news is you can use a lower SPF rating to keep from burning.

UVA Vs UVB Rays

I’m sure you have heard of UV rays and if not then this is what they are:

• UVA rays- penetrate deep into the skin which leads to skin cancer and the signs of aging
• UVB rays- are what can cause the sunburns we can all suffer from

With all the brands out there now is the time to choose one that is right for you. Here are my top 5 best choices for specific activities and when I say “reef life” it means it won’t harm fish or coral in the lakes and oceans.

5 Best Sunscreens

• 1 Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Spf50 Sunscreen= we are starting with the kiddos because once they are 6 months old you should think of applying sunscreen to them. Before 6 months, you should limit their exposure to full sun and keep them covered.

• 2 Goddess Garden SPF 50 = this one is good for sensitive skin since it has shea butter and coconut oil in it. It’s also good for reef life.

• 3 Neutrogena Sport Sunscreen SPF 70= if you are planning on doing a lot of sweating from playing sports or even going for a run then this one is for you since it is sweat and waterproof.

• 4 EltaMD UV Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 41= for those of you with dark skin tones. This one is good for you since it won’t leave the white, pasty look on your skin.

• 5 Neutrogena Beach Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50= this one is for you water lovers out there for it can last up to 80 minutes in the water without having to reapply.

I have one more sunscreen to tell you about that ties all the other 5 into one.

And if you are a scuba diver like me, then this is the one you want to use,

it is the best of the best and then some.

Plus 1

1. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion = this one has it all not only is it good for kids and adults alike, but it also works on sensitive skin, it’s waterproof for up to 80 minutes, it moisturizes the skin, won’t clog your pores, it’s hypoallergenic, a broad-spectrum of both UVA and UVB rays and above all else, it is reef life-friendly. So this one is one to have in your bag of goodies for the sun.

Sun Burn

Now for those of you who didn’t listen and got sunburned anyway, I won’t leave you in agony. I did the research to find the best sunburn treatments. pain from sunburns can start 6 hours after being sun-exposed and doesn’t peak until 24 hours later and can last 48 hours. 3 days of owwwweee. These are what I found to help ease the pain a little.

First, start off by getting out of those tight-fitting clothes and slip into something loose-fitting something made from cotton works the best.

• Lotion, gels, and creams that contain aloe vera is good to use apply 5-6 times a day for several days
• cool shower (not cold) you don’t want to have the chills
• anti-inflammatory drugs like Acetaminophen or Advil
• Witch Hazel reduces inflammation
• Honey is an antioxidant rejuvenate that helps with damaged skin (put a light layer on the sunburned area for 20-30 minutes then rinse off)
• drink lots of water
• Apple Cider Vinegar relieves pain, itching, and inflammation

Those are just a few I found that might help you find relief. But what I found to work the best for me is when I come in from too much fun in the sun with a sunburn because I didn’t listen to my own advice.

I grab the jug of Apple Cider Vinegar and head to the tub and before I even start the shower I pour the vinegar on the areas that are sunburned.

A word of advice is to be ready, first hold your breath, cause Apple Cider Vinegar is potent. Fair warning this stuff is cold when first applied, but it feels so good on the sunburn besides what I mentioned above apple cider vinegar also takes the heat out of the burn, nulling the pain but it also has natural astringent properties keeping the sunburn from becoming infected. After that, I pat dry (don’t rub).

I apply Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel from the refrigerator yes I did say refrigerator you want to cool the burndown and keeping your aloe in the fridge gives it that bit of a cooling feeling.

The most important thing is to drink lots of water not just 1 or 2 glasses but more like 5 to 6 glasses because your body is sending a lot of extra blood to the sunburned area to heal.

Drinking more water for at least a day or two can only help speed up the healing process by keeping you hydrated. Then I’ll put on my cotton nightgown in my case a big t-shirt and take a Benadryl for the night.

I can get some sleep and the next day I repeat the same process minus the Apple Cider Vinegar because it only works within the first 8 hours of sun exposure and going out in the sun. By the 3rd day, I feel a lot better.

So do try to learn from your mistakes and apply sunscreen

reapply often and don’t forget to

put it on at least 30 minutes before you go out into the sun.

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