Spa Simple: May 27 is National Sunscreen Day

May 27 is National Sunscreen Day and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use sunscreen to protect from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer. Just as damaging as the suns rays are the toxic chemicals we tend to lather on our bodies to protect us from the sun.

Find a sunscreen that is chemical free. Zinc oxide offers the broadest UV protection and cannot be absorbed into the blood. It sits on top of your skin providing a layer of armor against damaging UV rays. Zinc is a natural mineral nutrient the body uses to function. The higher the zinc oxide content, the better protection you will have against burning.

Not only is it important to use a chemical-free sunscreen but it’s also important to seek shade if your shadow is shorter than you (this is the time of day the sun’s rays are the strongest) and protect yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a long sleeved shirt.

Check out this informative sunscreen tutorial from our friends at Celtic Complexion.

Kelly Seeley and Tylene Headley are founders of spa50.com, the authority on Tampa Bay area day spas and online resource for spa owners and spa-going consumers.