The key to having a sunburn-free summer has been out there for years - sunscreens.
However, there are still a lot of people who do not know how this trusty lotion could actually not just prevent sunburn but could also reduce the risks of skin cancer, prevent wrinkles and delay signs of aging.
For Americans, only 30 percent of women and 14 percent of men regularly lather up with sunscreen, as shown in a study by American Academy of Dermatology.
"Women may be more likely to use sunscreen on the face because of the anti-aging benefits, or because of the many cosmetic products on the market that contain sunscreen. However, it's important to protect your whole body from the sun, not just your face," says Dawn Holmanm, a behavioral scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the study's lead author.
There are three important things that you have to remember in choosing the perfect sunscreen for you. The Environmental Working Group released its 2015 sunscreen guidelines.
First is to avoid sunscreen products with toxic chemicals. This includes those that contain oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. It is best to choose mineral sunscreens made of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Next is to use lotion over spray-on. Studies are still on about how a spray-on can cause more harm than protect the skin, since it could become harmful especially when inhaled.
Lastly, choose the right SPF level you need, depending on the activity you are about to engage in. The maximum SPF level should be at 50-plus. Anything higher than that amount is no longer good for you. Sunscreens that boast an SPF above 50 may give consumers a false sense of security about how long they can stay in the sun, CBS News reported.
