Did you know that your skin is this largest organ in your body? And therefore the most vulnerable? Which is all the more reason to treat it with kid gloves, so to speak.

When choosing a sunscreen, first look for the words “protects against both UVA and UVB rays.” Next consider the types: there are two, physical blockers and ones that are chemically-based. Physical blockers are reflective (cause a rebound or bouncing-off effect) and refractive (causing light rays to change direction) – zinc and titanium oxides are examples of physical sun blockers. Chemically active sun blockers use materials such as benzenes, crylenes and salicylates to repel or absorb ultraviolet rays. Organic sun blockers are available as well but have not been proven to be effective.

Four manufacturers of premier sunscreens are worthy of special mention: Colorescience, Kinerase, Neocutis, and Obagi.

Colorescience, the innovative mineral makeup company whose PRO line is available only through a doctor, offers Sunforgettable SPFs from 30-50 in a line of physical sunscreens which possess many desirable qualities: They are very water resistant in maintaining 97+% effectiveness after 6-8 hours of water exposure, are composed of 12% Titanium Oxide and 12% Zinc Oxide, act immediately, won’t rub off or transfer, do not sting the eyes, do not penetrate the skin, are odor free, greaseless, and safe for men, women and children.

Kinerase, also available only through a physician, offers a variety of SPF 30 sun-protective chemically-based products, all of which are recognized industry standards with distinguished track records.

Neocutis, the purveyor of precision Swiss technology, offers its Journee with an SPF of 30+, while Obagi presents its Nu-DERM SPF 35, both of which contain the powerful chemically-based sun blockers zinc oxide and octinoxate, providing maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Clearly, the choice is yours and depends upon a number of factors: powder versus cream, immediate action or wait a little, physical against chemical. But the decision far less optional and much more compelling.

Protecting ones skin is not an option – it is an imperative.

Be skin safe. Sunblock does spell safe skin.