Picking the best sunscreen to help protect your skin

More than ever people are applying sunscreen as part of their daily routine, even if they're not going to the beach. In fact, careful application of sunscreen could help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and ward off signs of premature ageing. So which sunscreen is best for you?

Gone are the days when sunscreen left an oily residue on your skin or reeking of coconuts! When used properly, sunscreen should become a part of your daily skin care regime. Here's what you should know:

• SPF: The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating, the greater the level of protection and length of exposure before your skin begins to burn.
• Application method: Sunblock can be applied as a cream, lotion, gel, sunscreen spray or solid stick. The best type comes down to personal preference.
• Ingredients: Moisturizer is one of the most common sunscreen ingredients, added to help keep skin supple. Be sure to check out the ingredients list before purchasing to ensure you're not allergic to any of them.
• Allergies: Natural sunscreen is mineral-based to avoid irritating sensitive skin. If you've previously had a reaction to skincare products consider buying a hypoallergenic product, although they tend to cost a bit more.
• Skin type: It's generally recommended to apply a sunblock of at least SPF 15 to 30, or higher if you're fair-skinned. Do this no less than 20 minutes before you go outside for maximum efficacy.
• Age: Use baby sunscreen on your baby.  On older children, go with kids’ sunscreen.
• Lifestyle: Stock up on sunscreen lotion if you work outdoors all day. If you know you're just going to want to make sunscreen application a quick thing on the way out the door, a spray might be better for you.

Sunscreen creates a barrier between the sun and your skin. Depending on which type of sunscreen you choose, it forms either a physical or chemical shield to prevent damage from prolonged exposure. What are the differences between physical blockers and chemical blockers?

Physical blockers

• Physical sunblocks are made of mineral-based, zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Zinc sunscreen is the thick white stuff traditionally used by lifeguards and surfers who spend long hours in direct sunlight.
• New formulations have made physical blockers invisible, but they still tend to feel greasy because they aren’t absorbed into the skin.
• Mineral sunscreen is considered extremely potent because it immediately stops rays from penetrating and remains effective for longer periods.

Chemical blockers

• Chemical sunblocks contain compounds that protect by absorbing the sun’s rays when they reach your skin. They are available in cream, lotion or spray.
• Once applied, they’re invisible and are often combined with a moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out.
• The downside to chemical blockers is that they need to be reapplied often if you’re swimming or exercising in the sun all day.
• Depending on the ingredients, they are also more likely to cause breakouts or skin irritation.

Sunscreen will do you no good if it's not applied properly. While it may seem inconvenient at first, after you get into a groove applying sunscreen will quickly become second nature. Here's what you should do:

• Apply chemical sunscreens at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors.
• SPF 15 sunscreen or higher is generally recommended for routine outdoor activity.
• Read and understand product instructions for how much and how often to apply.
• Teach older children how to apply their own sunscreen safely and effectively.
• Supplement sunscreen by wearing protective clothing such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and limiting your exposure in general. Don't forget to shield your eyes with sunglasses!

Some medical authorities suggest there is no safe level of exposure to the sun, but acknowledge we all need sunshine as a key ingredient to good health. With a little bit of practice of getting into the habit, you can enjoy worry-free time outdoors by using the best sunscreen for your face and other exposed skin surfaces.