RULE #1- AVOID INTENSE SUN, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN 10:00AM AND 2:00 PM.

Don't think that sunscreen allows you to bake in the sun. Stay in the shade when you can during the most intense radiation hours of the day. If you're at the beach, get a beach umbrella. When you are in the sun, use a high quality sunscreen.

RULE #2- LOOK FOR BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS RATED AT SPF15 OR HIGHER.

The slightly greater protection offered by higher SPF ratings may be needed for children when a) exposure times are long, b) in extreme climates (e.g., high altitude, tropical latitudes, etc), or c) for children who are very fair skinned. Stronger SPFs are also recommended for those who tend to scrimp on the amount of sunscreen they apply. Broad-Spectrum sunscreens block both the UV-A rays (the 'Aging' rays) and also UV-B (the 'burning' rays). Check Out Our Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Products»

RULE #3- APPLY SUNSCREEN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE SUN EXPOSURE.

Apply sunscreen to cool, dry skin. This will allow bonding-based formulas to bond to the skin. Apply liberally before you venture outdoors and be careful it doesn't rub off on furniture or clothing before its dry. After 15 minutes sunscreen will protect you, but it takes 30 minutes for your skin to fully absorb and bond with sunscreen to provide the greatest protection. Waterproof formulas that 'bond' to the skin can provide up to 80 minutes of protection when swimming and also provide better protection when sweating.

RULE #4- USE SUNSCREEN WITH A “BONDING” BASED LOTION FORMULA

There are three different types of sunscreen formulas, bonding, film, and wax. The base or lotion in which the UV absorbers are mixed with is very important, because it will ultimately determine how well the sunscreen will work.

A "bonding" based sunscreen formula works best because it enables the absorbers to interlock with the skin, unlike many other products that stay suspended on just the outer layer of skin. Bonding based formulas are especially effective for the active user because it won't clog the pores and will allow the skin to breathe and sweat.

Most sunscreens have "film" based lotions that suspend the absorbers on the skin's surface instead of "bonding" with the skin. These common sunscreens are easily washed off and tend to be greasy and stain clothing. Other low quality sunscreens are wax based lotions that completely coat the skin, preventing your skin from breathing and sweating resulting in clogged pores causing an increased core body temperature. Above 85 degrees, wax based lotions can melt, compromising the protection you receive.

RULE #5- USE A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF SUNSCREEN AND RE-APPLY OFTEN.

The American Cancer Society states adults in swimwear need one ounce of sunscreen to cover the entire body. Your coverage may vary. Your initial application of sunscreen is the most important. Apply sunscreen generously and thoroughly on cool dry skin to all areas that will be exposed. When applying you should be able to feel a layer of sunscreen between your hands and skin. If you cannot easily feel a layer of sunscreen between your hands and skin, then you need more sunscreen in that area. Sunscreen should be re-applied AT LEAST once during the day – preferably every 2-3 hours.

Read Precautions 6 thru 10»