With summer just around the corner, it is important to get optimal sun protection while out in the sun. Sun burns not only hurt but can permanently damage the skin and increase the tissue scarring of cuts or scrapes. The following are some of OROGOLD‘s best tips to stay protected from the heat this summer:

Applying sunscreen Choosing a sunscreen

  1. UVB Protection – Sunscreen with SPF 15 and above gives full UVB protection. As a general rule, if you burn in ten minutes, SPF 15 multiplies that by a factor of 15 so you would most likely not burn for another 150 minutes after applying. Generally, SPF 15 is fine for most people; however, people with fair skin or sensitivity to the sun should invest in SPF 30 sunscreen.
  1. UVA Protection – Unlike UVB, there is no rating system to determine how well UVA rays are blocked. Instead, you can look at the ingredients for those that have been approved to block UVA. Ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide are ingredients to watch out for. Any one of these alone should be completely effective in blocking out harmful UVA rays.
  1. Don’t rely on SPF makeup – Though some types of makeup — especially foundations and powders — claim to include SPF in them, avoid these. For powder makeups, you would have to put on over fourteen layers to get the same effect. Foundations would require over seven layers. Therefore, it is best just to stick with sunscreen rather than trying to use two-in-one products.
  1. Check the expiration date – The active ingredients in sunscreen eventually lose potency. Sunscreen should have an expiration date on the bottle, so make sure to check the date before use. Nothing is worse than thinking you’re protected when you’re not.

Putting sunscreen on her legs out by the beachApplying sunscreen

  1. Apply sunscreen before clothes – Applying sunscreen before putting on clothes makes it far less likely to miss a spot. Trying to move clothes out of the way and apply sunscreen usually ends up in a sticky mess.
  1. Apply sunscreen before going outside – It can take up to twenty minutes for sunscreen to become fully active after applying it. It is better to apply it inside rather than having almost a half hour of sun time without protection.
  1. Be thorough – The small spots can be just as important as the big ones. One of the most common sunburns is the hairline or part. For this, use a spray sunblock and lightly mist the scalp. Behind and on the ears are another commonly missed spot.
  1. Protect yourself from the inside – There are now supplements that contain a fern extract that helps guard the skin from UV rays and reduced redness of burns, too. These supplements, called the Sun Pill or Heliocare Dietary Supplement for the Skin, can be taken in the morning before a day you plan on having sun exposure on. However, these should still be paired with adequate sunscreen lotion, as well.