Choosing a safe and effective sunscreen can be more challenging than you think. As you survey the sunscreens on your drugstore aisle, take into consideration your prospective product's active ingredients, sun protection factor and water resilience. MayoClinic.com advises you to first look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays that can damage your skin.
Ingredients
Sunscreens fall into two categories, according to MayoClinic.com: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both of which offer broad-spectrum protection. When applied, a physical sunscreen acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb the sun's rays before they reach your skin. Chemical sunscreens may include ingredients, such as avobenzone, and oxybenzone, among many others.
About Sun Protection Factor
Interestingly, your sunscreen's sun protection factor, or SPF, pertains only to how well the product filters out UVB rays, those that cause you to burn, says Paula Begoun, skin care expert and author of "The Original Beauty Bible". However, she goes on to say that UVA radiation is ultimately the "larger danger for skin." Regardless of your SPF, Begoun advises making sure that your sunscreen contains ingredients that offer UVA protection as well: titanium dioxide; zinc oxide; avobenzone or butyl methoxydibenzyl methane; Tinosorb; or ecamsule, also called Mexoryl.
Choosing SPF
People may assume that a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 permits them to safely stay in the sun without burning twice as long as a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. However, this is untrue. According to the Personal Care Products Council, SPF is the measure of time you can be out in the sun without getting burned relative to the time you can stay outdoors with a sunscreen on. This amount of time varies depending on the individual and takes into consideration the person's skin tone, how frequently sunscreen is applied and if they've been in the water. The American Academy of Dermatology, AAD, recommends that you choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30.
Other Tips
According to MayoClinic.com, sunscreens can't be labeled "waterproof," as they all wash off; however, they can claim to be "water resilient". These offer more effective protection if you sweat a lot or intend to get in the water. Also, keep in mind that sunscreens expire after three years, states MayoClinic.com. You can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next, but if you're not sure when you bought it, check the product's expiration date.
Applying Sunscreen Correctly
Apply sunscreen liberally, frequently and thoroughly for safe protection against UV rays. Use at least 1 fluid oz. about the amount needed to fill a shot glass, and rub it into all parts of the skin exposed to the skin 15 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, advises the AAD. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or whenever you get out of the water or sweat excessively. The AAD cautions that sunscreens that claim to be water resilient frequently wash off in less than an hour. Remember to protect your lips as well. The AAD suggests using a lip balm with a SPF of at least 30.
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