Summer is here and after our long winter – we all want to be OUTSIDE! With the rising numbers of people getting skin cancer it is better to take precautions than end up with potentially harmful sunburn. While most of us walk outdoors with darker, protective skin, ultraviolet rays are stronger than they used to be. If you are thinking of buying the most expensive, highest rating SPF (sun protection factor) beware, most studies have shown that sunscreens do not actually contain the amount of SPF protection as promoted and listed on the container’s label. And if you have a young child/baby, most sunscreens created for young skin actually contains the same ingredients as the matching sunscreen for adults. It takes as little as 15 minutes for your child’s skin to burn, and a bit longer for adult skin to get sunburn, but not much longer. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet B rays are most powerful at midday, for us here in North Country is around 2pm. Ultraviolet A which age the skin can penetrate glass and are at the same level all year. Both types can cause skin cancer.

According to Consumer Reports researchers tested 20 sunscreens and found some products delivered less than half the promoted SPF and other ranged from 4 to 40 percent below their claims! So how do you sort through all of this? Easy. Listed here are sunscreen products that actually deliver what they promote:

Banana Boat

Bull Frog WaterArmor Sport

Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50

Equate (Walmart)

Neutrogena

Up & Up (Target)

Well (Walgreens)

Consumer Reports also finds spray sunscreens provide the most effective coverage, although (and read this part carefully and make the best decision) it cautions against lung irritation from inhalation of the chemicals. So for small children, lotions may be best.

Next – do I buy a 50 SPF or a 15 SPF? Go for the 15 SPF, an SPF over 50 does not equal better sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher. Since sunscreens can no longer be labeled “waterproof” or “sweat proof”, look for a sunscreen labeled “water resistant.” These are supposed to remain effective for 80 minutes and for 40 minutes when swimming or sweating.

Looking for that lovely, glowing, tanned skin? Sorry, there is no other way to say this – tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your child’s skin or your own skin after time outside, whether sunburned or suntanned indicates damage from UV rays. Remember that tanning on a tanning bed creates as much, if not more than skin damaging ultra-violet rays. Looking for a self-tanning lotion that doesn’t turn you into an Oompa – Loompa stand in can be tricky. Try using a gradual self tanning lotion and where effective self tanners cost more, for once I encourage you to spend more on this one. Self tanners will save your skin and a good one will save you from that dreaded orange glow. And I’ve already tried this – just because some of us have “darker”, “Mohawk” skin you think you can use a cheap self tanner and it won’t turn your skin orange. Wrong. It will turn your lovely Mohawk skin orange just like it turned my skin orange.

Looking for other skin care products? Don’t be afraid to look for classic – tried and true skin care products that were created before many of us were born and are still as effective today.

Here’s a list for you;

Dove Beauty Bar – created the year I was born. Another reason 1957 was a good year! It’s a soap that is soap free, so it doesn’t dry your skin.

ChapStick – yea, that one. It still works. Protect your lips this summer.

Pond’s Cold Cream – Hydrates and cleans. Simple as that and still on the shelves.

Aquaphor – a multi-purpose balm that has been healing skin since 1945! With only seven ingredients it’s almost like health food for your skin.

Calgon – During the 1960’s their famous commercial introduced the “bath” as a home spa and sanctuary. Still on the shelves and still taking people away.

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser – A soap and fragrance free formula that was created in 1947. It’s 67 years old and I hope I can be effective as this cleanser is when I reach that age.