| With the warm weather starting to appear and after | | | | need and rub it in! |
| frantically trying to find the sunscreen this morning | | | | - How often should I apply my sunscreen? Reapply |
| (without much luck) I thought I'd do a little research and | | | | every few hours. |
| answer a few of my sunscreen questions... | | | | - How do I protect myself in the water? Choose a |
| - Can I use last years bottle of sunscreen? Each | | | | waterproof sunscreen and reapply it after swimming. |
| brand and type of sunscreen will have a different shelf | | | | Remember that many public swimming pools require |
| life. Most brands are effective for at least 2 years. | | | | that you shower before entering the pool. This will |
| Many brands have an expiration date printed on the | | | | remove much of your sunscreen. |
| label or bottle. If you do not see an expiration date, | | | | - How can I protect my baby? Pediatricians usually |
| check for a manufacturers code. The last numbers on | | | | recommend keeping baby out of the sun and not using |
| the code represent the expiration date. | | | | sunscreen until your baby is 6 months old. After 6 |
| - Should I look for UVA or UVB protection? Choose a | | | | months, choose a product which is chemical free and |
| sunscreen which provides both UVA and UVB | | | | contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These 2 |
| protection. | | | | ingredients and not absorbed into the skin and sit on |
| - When should I apply my sunscreen? For best | | | | top of it forming a physical barrier of protection. These |
| protection, sunscreen should be applied about 30 | | | | "physical" sunscreens begin to work as soon as they |
| minutes before going into the sun. Don't be like me and | | | | are applied unlike the chemical varieties which take |
| apply it as you're going out the door! | | | | about 30 minutes to become effective. |
| - How much do I need to apply? The most frequent | | | | Please remember to always carry a spare tube of |
| reason for sunscreen not working properly is that not | | | | sunscreen in your purse or car and always be safe in |
| enough was applied. Apply more than you think you | | | | the sun. |