5 Tips on Choosing the Right Sunscreen Lotion

Statistics show one in five adults will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. While numerous factors affect the risk of skin cancer, one of the most influential is sun exposure. The longer you are exposed to sunlight, the greater your risk of skin cancer. With that said, you can protect yourself from skin cancer by wearing the right sunscreen lotion. Below are five important tips on how to choose the right sunscreen lotion.

#1) Go for Broad Spectrum

Make sure the sunscreen lotion is labeled as "broad spectrum." What does this mean exactly? Broad spectrum sunscreen lotions are designed to protect against both UVA and UVA sunlight. In comparison, conventional sunscreen lotions only protect against UVB sunlight. Therefore, wearing broad spectrum sunscreen lotion essentially offers twice the protection.

#2) Consider a Waterproof Sunscreen Lotion

If you're planning to go swimming -- whether in the ocean, a lake or any other body of water -- choose a waterproof sunscreen lotion. Not all sunscreen lotions can withstand water. Unless a sunscreen lotion is specifically labeled as "waterproof," it will simply wash away when exposed to water. For maximum protection against sunlight when swimming, you must wear a waterproof sunscreen lotion.

#3) Choose a High SPF

Perhaps the most important tip to protect your skin from sunlight is to choose a high-SPF sunscreen lotion. SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor," and it's a measurement of how much UVB sunlight the product can reflect. Generally speaking, sunscreen lotions with a high SPF reflect more UVB sunlight than those with a low SPF.

#4) Look for Added Moisturizer

Do you suffer from chronically dry skin? If so, choose a sunscreen lotion with added moisturizer. It's not uncommon for sunscreen lotions to contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera. Moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera help to hydrate your skin and protect it from dryness, all while reflecting sunlight in the process.

#5) Spray vs Lotion

Of course, not all sunscreen products are available as lotion. Some are available in spray form. While they typically contain the same ingredients as sunscreen lotions, sunscreen sprays offer a higher level of convenience. Rather than smothering on your skin, you simply spray it on your skin.

These are just a few tips to help you choose the right sunscreen lotion (or spray). Regardless of which product you choose, though, be sure to reapply it throughout the day. Even waterproof sunscreen lotion will wear off. And if you don't reapply it, your skin will be exposed to the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays.