Time to revisit Elta MD™.

I admit, it's been a while since I've picked up an Elta MD™ product. And looking at their cast of stars, I can't believe I waited so long to come back.

You know how crazy I am about sunblock. I'm the one at the pool, beach or lake ensuring that everyone is covered in a zinc-based product. So, you can imagine just how excited I am to see such an expansive line of sun care. EltaMD™ offers a complete spectrum of products, for every skin type and unique need, all containing anywhere from 7.5-10% zinc oxide. Can I get a woohoo!

Here's something to get even more excited about — Elta MD™'s newest product, UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45, is a continuous spray sunscreen with 9.3% zinc oxide. The first zinc-based continuous spray sunscreen!! With this at your disposal, I don't want to see any more pretend spray sunscreens in your hands. Ever.

Important facts about the sun: (from EltaMD™'s website)

• The sun causes 90% of all skin cancers.
• Overcast days are not much safer than those that are sunny, as 70-80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can get through the clouds.
• The sun is about 80% stronger when reflected off sand and snow.
• The sun's rays increase in intensity about 4% for every 1,000-foot rise in altitude.
• It's better to play or engage in sports before 10am and after 4pm. If that's not possible, try to avoid being out at high noon.
• The sun weakens the immune system, reducing your defense against infection.
• In general, kids can get all the Vitamin D they need for strong bones from fortified milk, salmon, vitamin supplements and/or brief, casual sun exposure.

Quite often we reference the importance of protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. However, we have yet to discuss the best ways to treat a sunburn, should you be so unfortunate.

Sense + Soothe
If your skin starts to feel hot or tender to the touch, you are burning. Get out of the sun immediately. You may be tempted to reach for a spray that claims to be formulated for sunburn relief. However, if it contains benzocaine, your skin could have an adverse reaction. Instead, spread aloe-vera gel on the sunburned area. You can also soak a washcloth in cold black tea to help bring down inflammation or pour vinegar on the affected area.

Nourish + Nurture
Stay out of the sun for a few days and drink a lot of water. Your body can lose a lot of fluid when you are burned, so it's important to keep your body hydrated. In addition, you should topically hydrate parched skin by applying a moisturizer several times a day.

If you happen to peel, do not pick at it or try to scrub it off, as difficult as they may be. It will only make matters worse. Once the sunburn has subsided, consider using a moisturizer with Vitamin C in it, as this will help repair damaged skin cells.

Avoiding Future Sunburns
Planning to be in the sun for an extended period of time? Re-apply your sunscreen every hour on the hour to keep safe from UVA and UVB rays ... and from the dreaded sunburn. And don't forget those neglected body parts — feet, knees and ears!

In this video, you will learn what to look for in a sunscreen/sunblock and why ingredients are so important. Four products are reviewed here.

• Keys Solar Rx
• DHC Suncut Q10
• Coppertone Pure & Simple Water Babies
• Blue Lizard
• Dr. LeWinn's

After just five sunburns, the risk for skin cancer increases dramatically. Think of the amount of time your children spend outside (or in the schoolyard) without shade to cover them. Also a contributor to the loss of a natural filter from harmful rays is the rapid disappearance of the ozone layer. Each year the sun's rays become more and more dangerous.

I was so happy to hear that Susan Posnick, a skin cancer survivor, put her passion into supporting the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation’s Shade Across America program through sales of COLORFLO mineral foundation with SPF 26. The program, dedicated to providing sun protection for children, supplies shade covers to schools across the country. And many thanks to Susan Posnick Cosmetics for donating a percentage of May sales of COLORFLO. Susan says

The damage that causes skin cancer later in life occurs at a young age. Ensuring that children are not subjected to the sun’s harmful effects is essential to limiting skin cancer in future generations. Working with the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation’s Shade Across America Program was a natural step for us.

I keep a close eye on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Check out their updated list of sunscreens to consider. Badger and Blue Lizard ranked in the top 10, among others, receiving the best scores possible (0-2 low hazard). However, please do keep in mind that not all sunscreens have been reviewed by EWG, such as Theraderm, Dr. LeWinn's, Become, and DHC Suncut. Be sure to look for these ingredients when searching for the best sunscreen for you and your family.