Friday, May 9, 2008

Sunscreen

Gardening season is definitely here, even for those who don't dare to plant before Mother's Day (which is this weekend!).

The active ingredient is the key factor in a good sunscreen, more so than the Solar Protection Factor (SPF).

Micronized zinc as the active ingredient (read the fine print on the container) is overall the best in preventing sunburns and also preventing skin cancer. It lasts longer and is less expensive than other agents, and goes on just like any other sunscreen.

Remember that any sunscreen will oxidize and will need to be replenished every 3-4 hours!

SPF 15 is good for most days, SPF 30 if you will be near snow or water (which reflect sunlight) or at higher elevations. SPF 45 is more expensive, but no more effective than SPF 30.

As an extra bonus, applying micronized zinc oxide once a day (even if you are not going outdoors) can reduce the number of age-related skin spots on your skin by half within a year.

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