Q: I want to choose the most effective sunscreen product for my family. What should I look for when I purchase a bottle of sun block?
A: When looking for the best sunscreen on the market, you need to understand important terms and facts relating to sun protection.
Ultra-violet (UV) rays are the sun rays that damage our skin, harming our bodies. There are two types of rays that can hurt our bodies. UVA rays are capable of damaging deep into the layers of skin, and these rays can also pass through most windows. UVB rays damage the outer layer of skin and are the most common cause of sunburn. These ultraviolet rays can mask your skin in freckles, wrinkles, age spots and visible blood vessels. Both types of sun rays contribute to skin cancer, sun damage and aging skin.
Q: So what is the best way to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays?
A: Make sure you apply sunscreen. While some sunscreens only protect against UVB rays, sunscreen that is labeled broad-spectrum indicates it should filter both UVA and UVB rays. However, not all broad-spectrum products adequately block UVA rays. The best way to determine if a product is effective in blocking UVA rays is to read through the ingredients and make sure the product contains avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
It's important to look for the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF numbers measure a sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays. There is currently no system to measure UVA protection. SPF numbers on the packaging can range anywhere from as low as two to as high as 60. The greater the SPF number, the greater the barrier against UVB rays.
Most sunscreens that contain SPF 30 can help protect your skin from damaging rays when used on a daily basis throughout all seasons and weather conditions. Many lotions and makeup foundations contain SPF 15 as an added bonus. However, wearing two sunscreens with SPF 15 will not be equal to SPF 30.
You may want to use a higher SPF number if you are going to be spending some time outside, your exposure to the sun is more intense or your complexion is fair. Regardless of the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours to maintain protection.
If you're planning on swimming or sweating by playing an outdoor activity, consider a water-resistant sunscreen. No sunscreen is truly waterproof, but some products withstand water better than others. The Food and Drug Administration allows sunscreen to be labeled water-resistant if it remains active for 40 minutes after exposure to water. Therefore, it's important to reapply at least every two hours or after sweating, swimming or even toweling off.
Q: How much sunscreen is enough?
A: Unfortunately, most people do not use enough sunscreen, or they apply it later than they should. As a general rule, you should apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you are going to be exposed to the sun. This allows the sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin.
Every age, race, ethnicity and skin type can experience skin damage from UV rays making sunscreen something that everyone should use on a regular basis. A base tan is not a substitute for sunscreen and cannot prevent the damage caused by UVB and UVA rays.
- Terri Groezinger cares for patients at Monroe Clinic's FastCare location. She serves patients over 18 months of age with healthcare needs including sore throats, earaches, sinus congestion, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections and basic laboratory services. Terri graduated from the University of Wisconsin Physician Assistant Program in Madison, Wisconsin. She is certified with the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants.
A: When looking for the best sunscreen on the market, you need to understand important terms and facts relating to sun protection.
Ultra-violet (UV) rays are the sun rays that damage our skin, harming our bodies. There are two types of rays that can hurt our bodies. UVA rays are capable of damaging deep into the layers of skin, and these rays can also pass through most windows. UVB rays damage the outer layer of skin and are the most common cause of sunburn. These ultraviolet rays can mask your skin in freckles, wrinkles, age spots and visible blood vessels. Both types of sun rays contribute to skin cancer, sun damage and aging skin.
Q: So what is the best way to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays?
A: Make sure you apply sunscreen. While some sunscreens only protect against UVB rays, sunscreen that is labeled broad-spectrum indicates it should filter both UVA and UVB rays. However, not all broad-spectrum products adequately block UVA rays. The best way to determine if a product is effective in blocking UVA rays is to read through the ingredients and make sure the product contains avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
It's important to look for the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF numbers measure a sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays. There is currently no system to measure UVA protection. SPF numbers on the packaging can range anywhere from as low as two to as high as 60. The greater the SPF number, the greater the barrier against UVB rays.
Most sunscreens that contain SPF 30 can help protect your skin from damaging rays when used on a daily basis throughout all seasons and weather conditions. Many lotions and makeup foundations contain SPF 15 as an added bonus. However, wearing two sunscreens with SPF 15 will not be equal to SPF 30.
You may want to use a higher SPF number if you are going to be spending some time outside, your exposure to the sun is more intense or your complexion is fair. Regardless of the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours to maintain protection.
If you're planning on swimming or sweating by playing an outdoor activity, consider a water-resistant sunscreen. No sunscreen is truly waterproof, but some products withstand water better than others. The Food and Drug Administration allows sunscreen to be labeled water-resistant if it remains active for 40 minutes after exposure to water. Therefore, it's important to reapply at least every two hours or after sweating, swimming or even toweling off.
Q: How much sunscreen is enough?
A: Unfortunately, most people do not use enough sunscreen, or they apply it later than they should. As a general rule, you should apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you are going to be exposed to the sun. This allows the sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin.
Every age, race, ethnicity and skin type can experience skin damage from UV rays making sunscreen something that everyone should use on a regular basis. A base tan is not a substitute for sunscreen and cannot prevent the damage caused by UVB and UVA rays.
- Terri Groezinger cares for patients at Monroe Clinic's FastCare location. She serves patients over 18 months of age with healthcare needs including sore throats, earaches, sinus congestion, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections and basic laboratory services. Terri graduated from the University of Wisconsin Physician Assistant Program in Madison, Wisconsin. She is certified with the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants.
