Sunscreen:
That Certain Something

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, May 21 and July 9
Show 313

If you're like most people... you'll spend hours trying to figure out which swimsuit you look best in. But the truth is, the most important thing you'll wear on the beach isn't your suit or that cute cover up. With more than 1,000,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, sunscreen is the number one thing you can pack in your beach bag. You probably already know the higher the SPF (sun protection factor) the better, but here's something else. The SPF level of a sunscreen relates only to the protection you get from UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn. But UVA rays are more penetrating, giving you wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. UVA rays are out there assaulting you all the time, even when it's not that sunny outside. So before you hit the wave or just the lounge chair with that book you've been dying to read, buy yourself sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection. Even though you have the lotion slathered on, it doesn't mean you can stay outside all day.  Make sure you re-apply lotion every couple of hours.  And to really avoid the rays, limit your time outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Wear a hat with a wide brim. You'll look great, and keep the sun off of your face. And use sunglasses with 99 percent to 100 percent UVA absorption. They'll protect your eyes, and if you get the big, movie-star kind, they'll shield the delicate skin around your eyes.