When the sun is shining and we’re ready to catch some rays, we all face the same question: What’s the best way to safeguard our skin while enjoying the outdoors and getting a gorgeous tan?

Beauty aisles are full of an overwhelming array of sunscreens, from sprays and oils to creams and sticks. It can be enough to make you want to throw up your hands and give up. But your skin is worth figuring out the very best protection — not just against the sun, but against harmful ingredients, too.

At Suncare Central, we believe in the life-giving power of the sun and that beautiful, healthy skin is your birthright.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to sun protection that will arm you with the information you need to enjoy both. We’ll address common questions about sun protection, and help you understand UV rays, different SPFs, and how various sun products work for your skin. So you can learn how to achieve the look you want while warding off damage to your skin and premature signs of aging.

To begin, let’s look at what UV actually is. Ultraviolet (UV) is a portion of the sun’s light that is invisible to the naked eye. UV light is broken into three categories — UVA, UVB, and UVC. Most UVC light is absorbed in our planet’s ozone layer and doesn’t reach us, but UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions like skin cancers and aging.

To protect our skin against these conditions, we have various solutions. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays in a chemical reaction that dissipates the heat back off the skin. Natural sunscreens, in contrast, shield the skin with a physical barrier of active minerals that reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror. These minerals, like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, do not break down as readily in the sun as chemical ingredients.

Another difference between sunscreens affects heat rash (also known as prickly heat). When skin overheats, it frequently reacts with itchy red bumps and blotches — a classic heat rash. This can quickly lead to easy burning, and it can spoil that great tan you’ve been working on.

Waterproof, sweat-proof and similar “sunblocks” can have a petroleum base that contributes to skin overheating quickly. Thick, heavy oils (like mineral oil) can clog the pores and also cause the skin to overheat.

In contrast, wax-less products like natural sunscreens allow your skin to function naturally and help keep it below that critical damaging temperature. Taking periodic shade breaks, cooling off in the water frequently (and then reapplying your sunscreen!) are also good ways to protect your skin against overheating.

At Suncare Central, we’re dedicated to a toxin-free lifestyle. Natural Tone Organic Skincare's eco-conscious natural sunscreens offer outstanding sun protection that conforms to that promise.

Once you’ve chosen what type of sunscreen you’re looking for, you’ll need to select the right SPF. Standing for Sun Protection Factor, SPF refers to the amount of time you could theoretically stay in the sun without getting sunburned. For example, an SPF 15 would allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection.

When choosing an SPF, take into account factors like how much your skin has already been exposed to the sun, how long you plan to stay in the sun and at what time of day, what season it is, and how strong the sun is in your area. Natural Tone Organic Skincare sunscreens come in a range of SPFs to suit different needs.

In order to truly protect your skin against sunburn, aging, and the danger of skin cancer, it’s also crucial to use your sunscreen properly. We recommend that you reapply your Natural Tone Organic Skincare sunscreen at least every 30 to 45 minutes. You should also take frequent breaks from the sun, and try to avoid the hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., when both UVA and UVB light are strongest.

Here are some tips to help you apply your natural sunscreen in a way that will truly protect your skin. Following these tips will also help you avoid any unsightly white sheen that can come from misapplying mineral sunscreens.

Ideally, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go into the sun. Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying.

Use the right amount of sunscreen. Typically, this is approximately 1 ounce — enough to fill a shot glass. Adjust depending on your body size and how much of your body is exposed.

Dab small amounts of lotion around your skin, then pat it around to lightly cover each area. Wait 30-40 seconds for the cream to absorb into the skin, then spread it in the direction that your hair lies, blending it into your skin.

Natural Tone Organic Skincare’s mineral sunscreens are filled with natural and organic ingredients … so you can soak up the sun’s goodness while protecting your birthright of gorgeously healthy skin.

Watch our video about how to apply natural sunscreen