Be smart - use sunblock. Perhaps you remember the past when it was alright to go outside with no sunblock. However, researchers say the sun's rays are harsher now than even a decade back. Spending time outdoors without protecting your skin is unhealthy. Please be aware that sunscreen oils and tanning lotions having an SPF of 2 or less are absolutely ineffective for protection from the sun. They are unhealthy and might even cause skin cancer. Go ahead and ask yourself if you believe a tan is really worth your life, hopefully you'll soon see the need to pick the correct sunblock.

The minimum sunblock rating should be SPF 15, for sufficient protection. You need to choose at least an SPF 15, no matter what activity you'll doing outside. This sunscreen protects your skin minimally; at least apply it. Read on to see if you'll need more than this basic SPF 15 sunscreen because different activities and durations outdoors require different sunscreens.

Go for an SPF of 30 if your skin is light. If you are an outdoor person at least for some time of the day, and your skin is light or fair-colored, the most effective sunscreen for you should be at least an SPF 30. You skin may burn easily and this will prevent it.

This is very important for people facing a high risk of skin cancer.

Make sure you pick a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Make sure to get the best sunscreen that blocks and/or protects you from both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB rays can be protected by the SPF rating and premature skin aging and wrinkles can be prevented by UVA. Choose a sunscreen with both these elements.

If necessary, use waterproof. If you're doing things in water (or perspire a lot), choose a waterproof (not water-resistant) sunblock. This type of sunscreen has a special formula to hold its protective qualities up to an hour and a half of being in water. You must continue to reapply sunscreen more often if you are going to be in water. Even waterproof sunscreen doesn't stay on that long and needs to be reapplied after about an hour.

Sunscreen must be applied frequently and at the earliest possible time. Once you have selected the correct sunscreen, apply it about a half hour before going out in the sun so that it works correctly. Apply sunscreen in advance of going outdoors because it needs to be absorbed by your skin before it can work properly. And re-apply sunscreen often when outside, no matter whether it's sunny or cloudy. It will lose its strength in time even if it is the right sunscreen. Put on sunblock throughout the day and don't underestimate the importance of doing so.

Remember to apply lip balm! Protecting the lips is often forgotten by people. The SPF rating of the lip protection you apply should be at least 15. Your lips are no different from the skin on the rest of your face when it comes to the possibility of damage from the harsh sunlight. Your lip region needs sun protection, too, so use a product with an SPF rating of at least 15.

There is an expiration date for any sunblock, as is usually the case with body care products. Check the expiry date on your sunscreen often to make sure that your skin continues to be protected from harmful rays of the sun.