How To Choose A Proper Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen, regardless of the forecast, is crucial because it is one of the MOST EFFECTIVE ways to shield your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When choosing your sunscreen, make sure that it includes these three things:

1. Choose a sunscreen with "broad spectrum" protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. The SPF number is the sunscreen's level of protection against UVB rays. For example, SPF 15 filters out 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out 97%.

3. "Water resistant" does not mean "waterproof." No sunscreens are waterproof or "sweatproof." However, if a product's front label claims to be water resistant, it must specify whether it lasts for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

Keep in mind that no sunscreen protects you completely and for best results, reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and even more when swimming or sweating. In addition to choosing the right sunscreen, remember to utilize your 5 S's! "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide." Slip on a long sleeve shirt, Slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.

Thank you to everyone that participated in our #HemishSunSafeSelfie campaign. We have successfully identified three winners!