Sunscreen, like our rash guards, protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate your skin, so it's important to wear sunscreen daily.
Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's UV rays. It contains ingredients that form a physical barrier on your skin, or chemicals that can absorb the UV rays before they can damage your skin.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This should protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, choosing a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic, like SNAP Sunscreen, is recommended.
Even if you have darker skin or rarely burn, you should still wear sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin, even if you don't see visible signs of sunburn. Plus, wearing sunscreen can help prevent premature aging and skin cancer, which affects anyone, regardless of skin color.
Yes, sunscreen does expire. Sunscreens should have an expiration date printed on the packaging, and realize that using expired sunscreen will not provide the protection you need from harmful UV rays. It's always a good idea to check the expiration date on last year's supply before applying it, and plan to buy a new bottle if you're unsure.
Now toss a bottle of sunscreen in your beach bag, and get out there and enjoy summer!