Summer may be winding down but that is no excuse to skimp on using sunblock.  Although many believe that those who have darker complexions don’t need to worry about the sun, the sun ultimately speeds up the aging process and can have harmful health affects on all skin types.  Sunrays still penetrate through clouds and can cause skin damage.  Over 80% of skin aging in adults result from tanning at an earlier age.  Sun damage includes wrinkles on the face, neck and hands and uneven pigmentation of the skin.  Bottom line: sun or no sun UV rays will make you look older and cause some serious damage to your health.  Shield your skin daily to keep a young look and prevent UV-related cancers such as melanoma. 

Here are some tips when choosing a sunblock:

• Look for a sunblock with a broad-spectrum product that blocks both UVA (aging) and UVB (burns) rays.
• Sunblocks that are P++ are clinically proven to protect against UVA aging rays.
• Ingredients such as homosalate, octinoxate and avobenzone are chemical protectors that absorb and neutralize UV radiation.
• If you tend to sweat a lot or plan to be in the water, be sure that your sunblock is water resistant. 
• Helioplex and zinc oxide are strong physical blockers that wont break down in the sun.   
• If you are using a sunblock that’s also a moisturizer, be sure it blocks UVA and UVB rays. 
• The sun’s strongest rays are between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.  Read the label of the sunblock bottle to know when you should reapply.
• Foundations or primers that are SPF-infused may not be sufficient coverage. Check out this WebMD article which explains why SPF foundations may not help. 

So be sure to protect your skin and remember the earlier you start this regimen the more you will benefit over your lifetime!

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