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Essential Facts About Sun Tan Lotions

By Haywood Hunter


More than one million people in the United States each year are diagnosed with some type of cancer. The latter is associated with the sun and too much exposure to UV rays. Sun tan lotions were formulated to help people keep their skin safe from both sunburns and various skin cancers.

Anyone who is looking for a way to protect himself or herself from the dangerous rays of sun should purchase high-quality sunscreen or sunblock that will ensure that this goal can be reached. It is essential, however, that one understand specific facts prior to making a final selection. The phrase suntan lotion refers to many different products, including sunblock and sunscreen. It can also refer to tanning accelerators that are designed to attract the sun. Some individuals use such products when they desire a deep tan.

Sunscreens absorb UV rays and then release them as heat. They prevent the rays from reaching the innermost dermal layers of one's skin. Sunblock reflects the rays away from the person's body completely to another surface. Both work well, but many experts recommend sunblock, as this will ensure that little or no harmful rays are absorbed by the user's skin.

Most sun tan lotions feature active ingredients called zinc oxide and titanium oxide, with the exception of tanning accelerators. In the case of the latter, the product will probably not contain the ingredients listed above. For this reason, it is important for consumers to carefully read the labels of any formula they are thinking of buying, as this will ensure that they make the most suitable selection.

If one's goal is to prevent skin damage or cancer, he or she should carefully evaluate the sun protection factor of any product being purchased. This is often referred to simply as the product's SPF. The latter is displayed as a number on the bottle, typically from 2-60. The higher the SPF is in the blend, the more sun protection the product offers.

Additionally, it is essential for customers to understand that some lotions do not block UVA rays. Certain blends only block UVB rays. Although both types can cause skin damage, UVA rays are more dangerous, particularly if long-term exposure to the sun occurs. Individuals who want to avoid as many dangerous rays as possibles should choose a product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreens should be rubbed into one's skin about one half hour prior to sun exposure. This ensures that the product has a suitable amount of time to be absorbed into the person's skin, where it will work effectively to prevent damage. Any body part that will be exposed to sun should be treated with sunscreen or sunblock. It is also wise to reapply the lotion according to manufacturer's directions.

One can purchase sun tan lotions in conventional bricks and mortar stores or via the Internet. However, as mentioned earlier, consumers should make sure that they purchase only the best quality formulas, or they will not be very helpful in preventing sunburn or skin cancer. Regardless of the formula one selects, it is always a good idea to exercise wisdom with regard to sun exposure.




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