SUN PROTECTION

The effect of the UV radiation on each individual depends on a number of factors, including skin type, the time of year, and the amount of sun exposure the person has recently received. Your skin tone and susceptibility to burning is classified as follows:

Skin Type	Sunburn and tanning history
I	Always burns, never tans, sensitive to exposure
II	Burns easily, tans minimally
III	Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown
IV	Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown
V	Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark
VI	Never burns, deeply pigmented, least sensitive

Even if you have tanned or been burned before, it's never too late to protect your skin. Sunscreens protect your skin from UV rays and are classified according to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). An SPF 4 blocks out 75% of the burning UV rays, while an SPF 15 blocks out 93% of the burning UV rays; an SPF 30 blocks out 97% of the burning UV rays.

Always use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. For best results, apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside to allow it time to bond with your skin. In addition to protecting you from overexposure to sunlight, sunscreens also help to prevent other problems related to sun exposure including aging skin and precancerous growths.

The Rules

Cleanse
Any good skincare regimen begins with completely clean skin. If your skin is oily, use a gel-based cleanser to wash away dirt. If your skin is dry, treat it to a rich cleanser that you wipe off with a tissue.

Tone
Toners are liquids that refresh skin and help remove dirt and oil after your regular cleansing routine. If a toner contains alcohol, it also can help reduce shine and minimize the appearance of pores in oily skin. Those with dry skin should avoid alcohol-based toners. After cleansing, sweep toner over your face using a cotton ball. Do not rinse.

Moisturize
Creams and lotions help prevent water loss by forming a barrier on the skin that stops water from evaporating. Some key ingredients include lanolin, silicone, and mineral oil. There are many different types, ranging from anti-aging for mature complexions to oil-free for oily skins.

Protect
Sunscreens help block harmful UVA and UVB rays. You should wear an SPF 15 or higher every day - even if you're in a city environment - to protect against incidental sun exposure. Choose creams and lotions with a built-in SPF, and always apply sunscreen last, so it works as a protective seal over your skin.

Smart Skin Shopping

Try to avoid products containing synthetic fragrances and dyes, which tend to aggravate a sensitive or reactive skin type.

Be careful of alcohol-based lotions or toners, which tend to disturb the pH level of our complexions, leaving it much more dehydrated than it was initially.

Bar soap is not for your cleaning your face, not unless it is specially formulated for your complexion with a correct pH balance. (Most soap has a pH of at least seven and often as high as 10, this will leave your skin feeling taught and dehydrated).

If a product claims it contains pure essential oils (e.g. lavender) and it is not contained in a dark glass bottle or specially lined packaging, you might think twice about purchasing. Essential oils in direct contact with plastic will break down the therapeutic qualities of these aromatic essences, which are very volatile.