Suntan lotion does not have a single clear definition, because it does not refer to just one product. It can be a suntan-accelerating product or a sun-screening or sun-blocking lotion. Because of the variety of products on the market, a shopper can become confused. But by doing a little research, you can decide on the product that's best for you. Be advised, exposing yourself to the sun without adequate protection can have serious long-term consequences -- skin cancer and premature aging of the skin among them.
Step 1
Decide whether you want a tan-accelerating product or a sun-blocking or sun-screening lotion. If you want to play it safe but still get a tan, wear a screening or blocking agent outside and invest in a sunless tanning product that you can use at home.
Step 2
Find out if your sun-protection product is a sunblock or a sunscreen. Sunblock, as the name indicates, keeps almost all of the sun's UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. The ingredients are mainly zinc oxide and titanium oxide.
Sunscreens are less visible on the skin than sunblocks, which are generally opaque. Most are designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays, but some radiation does get through. Unlike sunblocks, sunscreens need to be applied every few hours, as their ingredients break down.
Both sunscreens and sunblocks have SPF ratings.
Step 3
Check out the product's sun-protection factor. Laurie Lombardi, NBC Studios makeup artist, advises that no sunscreen provides all-day protection. You will get more protection from a high SPF, such as 30, than a lower one, such as 4. But every product must be reapplied periodically, especially if you have been swimming or sweating.
A common misconception is that an SPF rating tells you how long you can stay in the sun without burning, 15 minutes for SPF 15, for example. But many factors enter into how long you can stay in the sun, including your individual biochemistry.
Most adults should use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more. The same goes for children, but do not use suntan lotion on infants aged 6 months or younger.
Step 4
Compare different suntan lotions based on their ability to keep your skin hydrated. Many tanning products contain moisturizers that will help your skin from becoming dry from sun exposure. Products that have oils are best at keeping your skin hydrated. These oils, such as avocado, coconut and jojoba, do not provide any protection from UVA or UVB radiation.
Step 5
Test the suntan lotion's texture against your skin. How a product feels and is absorbed are considerations when you decide what to buy. Some are very heavy and leave a chalk-like appearance on your skin. While this may not be pleasant, these products are often the best at preventing sunburn. Other products go on lighter and absorb more quickly while still providing protection.
Tips and Warnings
- Your skin needs UVA and UVB protection year-round.
- Never buy a suntan lotion without carefully reading the product information, as ingredients differ from product to product. Consult with your physician or pharmacist to make sure you are not taking any medications that will interfere with the effectiveness of suntan lotion. If you have a baby who is younger than 6 months, talk with your pediatrician about how to best protect him from harmful sun rays.
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