What does sunscreen do? The short answer is that it protects our skin from the dangerous effects of exposure to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. These are the rays that can cause skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkling, and generally looking older than we actually are. Both types of rays are dangerous. UVA rays do not cause sunburn as such, but penetrate deep into the skin cells, causing wrinkles, which is why we need to apply anti aging skincare products, such as sunblock. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, and in so doing, cause cell damage. Sunscreens that offer protection against both types are obviously the ones to choose; they are called broad spectrum face sunscreen.

Sunscreens are either chemical or physical formulations. Chemical filters work by absorbing the rays and preventing them from penetrating too deeply, while physical filters reflect the rays by way of a film of sunscreen on the skin. There are many different formulations on the market, so it can be very confusing to choose the right one for you. It might be worth looking for formulations that contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, since these are generally well tolerated by most people.

When purchasing a facial sunblock, be guided by the SPF (sun protection factor). This number gives an idea of how much protection you will be given. Low SPF ratings are not really beneficial, so try to pick one with a value of at least 15. What this means is that you will be able to stay in the sun up to 15 times longer than you normally would, before you begin to burn. Always use common sense, though, and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm on hot days; this is the peak time for sun damage.

When choosing an SPF, think about what outdoor activities you will be doing. If it is the normal run-of-the-mill daily activities that you have in mind, then an SPF of 15 should be fine. Many anti aging beauty products on the market today already have this SPF built in. If you will be spending time outdoors, choose a higher factor (25 and above).

Choosing the correct sunscreen is the first step. The next is to make sure that you apply it correctly. It is always better to use more than less! If you have not covered the skin properly, it will not protect you properly! Apply your sunscreen at least half an hour before you actually go out. This gives enough time for it to be absorbed. If you are going swimming, remember to re-apply often (at least every couple of hours), since towel-drying and dipping in-and-out of the water can rub away the sunscreen quickly.

Take control of your health and well-being, employ common sense, and protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation wherever possible by wearing some great anti aging products, such as facial sunscreen.