With skin cancer on the rise, it may now be time to gen-up on the reasons about why it is necessary to use a good quality sun tan lotion when splashing about on the beach, and to what protection it can actually offer.
Looking great on the beach can turn out to be costly when no adequate precautions to protect oneself are taken, as the harmful UV rays of the sun can increase the production of melanin (pigment) in the skin, which in turn produce harmful effects such as skin cancer.
There are many benefits to using a good quality sun tan lotion that will not only protect, but that are potentially life-saving as well.
What is sun tan lotion? Sun tan lotion is a protecting agent that regulates the UV rays produced by the sun, by using a built-in screening function.
Who should use sun tan lotion? Anyone who may be exposed to the harmful rays of the sun for any prolonged period, such as: someone who due to the nature of their work spends more that an average amount of time in the sun, sunbathers, or someone who does not use adequate clothing to protect themselves.
When should sun tan lotion be used? Sun tan lotion should be applied prior to prolonged exposure to the sun, which will greatly lower the chances of any potentially life-threatening skin conditions.
As a general guide, sun tan lotion should be applied every 1 - 2 hours no matter what the SPF level.
How much protection will using sun tan lotion give me? That depends on the SPF level that the lotion contains; however, a couple of things must be taken into consideration first.
Those with fair-skin will usually burn faster than those with a darker-skin, meaning a higher SPF level will be required; however, a darker-skinned person may also need a higher SPF level when splashing about in water or sweating, as the sun tends to magnify both.
What does the SPF level mean? SPF, means sun protection factor (a level of protection usually defined by a number [example: 20).
By taking the SPF level number, and multiplying it by 10, this is the time that someone (under perfect conditions [not sweating and not in water]) would be safe from the rays of the sun.
For example: SPF 20 = 20 x 10 = 200 minutes (3.
5 hours) of protection in the sun.
Can I look great and still be safe? Yes! Sun tan lotion has cosmetic purposes that not only offer life-saving protection from the harmful rays of the sun, but also enhance the skin too.
This allows for the skin tone to change to a more bronzed colour, resulting in the sun-kissed beach look, that is not only safe, but great to look at as well.