Sweet summer sunshine is (thankfully) just around the corner. And while that means long-lasting days spent outdoors, it also means that pesky sunburns are a distinct possibility. Luckily, we’ve got all your sunscreen questions answered.
Q: Do I really need to wear SPF daily?
A: Yes, sunscreen isn’t just for the big outdoor moments. Daily exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, premature aging, and is also heavily linked to skin cancer. Regardless of your activity, it’s always a smart idea to keep exposed skin safe. It’s our largest organ, and needs extra love and care to keep the rest of our body happy and healthy.
Q: What’s the difference between UVA & UVB?
A:
- UVA rays are the most common, and account for over 95% of the ultraviolet radiation we’re exposed to. UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, and can cause wrinkling, aging, and some types of skin cancers. UVA rays have relatively the same intensity year-round and can even penetrate through clouds and glass.
- UVB rays tend to damage the surface of the skin, and are the chief cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Their intensity varies during different times of the year – the most intense concentration in the US occurs from April through October during daylight hours: 10am-4pm are the peak.
Q: What exactly does SPF mean?
A: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and represents the degree of sun protection something provides. Specifically, it refers to protection from UVB rays. If you want UVA and UVB protection you should look for broad spectrum sunscreens.
Q: How often and how much sunscreen should I apply?
A: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following guidelines:
- Adults use 1 full ounce of sunscreen at the very least – about the size and depth of an egg. Make sure to cover skin thoroughly, and allow 15-30 minutes for it to soak in before heading outdoors.
- Jumping into the pool? Be sure to reapply every two hours, and even more if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
- Babies and kids older than 6 months should use broad-spectrum sunscreens with at least an SPF of 15. Apply liberally to protect those little ones!
- Babies under the age of 6 months should not use sunscreen without first consulting with a pediatrician. The safest bet is to just keep those little ones out of the sun. and should be kept out of the sun.
Alba Botanica® Sunscreen 101:
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, fast drying spray or a cooling after-sun lotion, we’ve got a sunscreen for every activity (and skin type) under the sun, and then some. We’re talking broad spectrum, sport, mineral, and sensitive. We’re pretty proud that our sunscreens are not only great for your skin, but the Earth, too. Did you know…
- Alba Botanica® sunscreens are biodegradable and coral reef safe. This helps leave less of an impact on our great planet earth and its oceans.
- Our spray sunscreens are air-powered, providing great coverage without harming the Ozone layer.
- None of our sunscreens contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, PABA, nano-sunscreens or Vitamin A. Your skin will <3 them!
Need to stock up? Shop all Alba Botanica® sun-care and after-sun care here.