Sun Protection Factor

This week at the playground, I watched mommies chase their little loves around with lotion-filled hands. The smell of sunscreen permeated the entire playground as if it was bouncing off heads and hands and feet. The children squirmed as they were lathered up, then raced off to play. Protected. Right?

Our exposure to UV radiation occurs even on winter and cloudy days. Even around computers and halogen lights. Our bodies’ are simply inundated with free radicals. Did you ever notice that you can acquire sunburn in as little as 25 minutes at noon? This is because radiation levels are 10x higher than other times of the day.

Key areas of your body that need extra protection:

-Top of the head (especially for those who have thinning hair or are bald) and back of neck
-Nose
-Top of ears
-Arms (especially the arm that is exposed through the open car window)
-Hands
-Forehead
-Tops of feet

General sun protection tips:

-Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
-Still use protection when in the water or outside on a hazy day
-UV’s can still pass through clothes and umbrellas – be wise and protect
-Cover all parts of the body that will be exposed to the sun
-If you’re going to be outside for more than two hours, use SPF 30 (30x the protection from the sun if you hadn’t worn any sunscreen at all)

Now for the interesting twist. In our desire to be protected from the sun's harmful rays, we often put our families in further danger by using products' filled with harmful chemicals. Is this a fair exchange? I think not. Let's aim higher. Check out Shaklee's formulation within their Enfuselle product line: their sunscreen is formulated without parabens, FD&C or D&C dyes, propylene glycol, animal products or by-products, mineral oils or petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, phthalates, or 1,4-dioxane. And, the benefit is that it is made with nutrients, is pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and never animal-tested.

I was pleased to notice that Shaklee offers more savings than Burt’s Bees, and has higher reviews as well. Here’s why:

-UVA and UVB protection against premature aging and skin cancer
-High-level and broad spectrum UV protection without irritation
-High-level protection for blondes, redheads, and fair-skinned individuals
-Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
-Oil free
-Ideal for sensitive skin
-Waterproof and sweat proof
-Won’t clog pores
-Quick absorption into skin, with no sticky residue

When comparing brands, be sure to always avoid products that contain Avobenzone. It has been known to decompose when exposed to UV light.

Check out Shaklee's sunscreen protection.