Some things make me giddy. Sunscreen is one of them.

While you may not have guessed, I am a huge proponent of healthy skin. Sometimes to the point of annoyance (sorry, family). That means staying out of the way of those harmful UVA and UVB rays. Well, at least protecting yourself from them.

Thank goodness there are so many superb sunscreens on the market these days. It used to be quite difficult to find one that contained the right ingredients. And now there is a convenient, on-the-go, no mess version that rocks, due to the brilliance of Susan Posnick!

My whole family has been enjoying the latest in fabulousness from my friend, Susan. A skin cancer survivor, Susan is beyond passionate about proper skin protection. She created Brush on Block, which contains 12% zinc oxide and 15% titanium dioxide (physical blockers), to make it easy for everyone to apply sunscreen everyday. Everyday!

Perfect for your athletic bag (or your child’s), golf bag and purse! Yes, I have three. With outdoor activities playing a big role in our lives, Brush on Block has brought me peace of mind, knowing I'm giving my family the best in sun care.

Available at Jeffre Scott in Charlotte and Turner & Scott in Asheville

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