Summer is the time for lazy beach days and getting a great tan. Sadly, along with that great tan comes a lot of negative effects. The rays that give you that nice glow are also the same rays that damage your skin the most. These invisible rays are UVA and UVB rays.
These ultraviolet rays are responsible for your suntan as well as the sunburn and sun-damage in your face and body. Many sunscreens only carry compounds that protect against one type of ultraviolet ray instead of both. Your skin needs sunscreen that will block or reflect both types of UV rays in order to give your face and body the accurate protection it needs from the sun.
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is formulated with several compounds that block, reflect, or absorb both types of harsh ultraviolet rays. It should be the only type of sunblock you use if you want ultimate protection from burns, photo-damage, and even prevention of skin cancer. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF of 15 is necessary for this type of protection. Applying sunscreen every 2 hours, despite what the label says, ensures this protection and can greatly reduce your risks.
Check out http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_sunscreens.html for more sunscreen information and for tips to stay healthy in the sun.
