The warm summer sun may feel good on your skin, but the radiation causes unseen damage to your skin cells. Besides the obvious discomfort of sunburn, sun exposure may lead to wrinkles, skin discolorations or cancer. No amount of sun exposure is safe, but you can protect yourself from damaging rays by using the proper sunscreen.
UVA and UVB Rays
Sunlight contains two types of radiation, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Ultraviolet B, or UVB, rays cause sunburn and ultraviolet A, or UVA, rays cause long-term damage, such as wrinkles, leathery-looking skin, brown spots and potentially cancer. Sunscreens should provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF
Sunscreen Protection Factor, or SPF, rates the protective potential of the sunscreen product, says the Foundation. Recommended sunscreens have an SPF of 15 or higher. The SPF refers to the amount of time an average person can remain in the sun without his skin turning red, compared with someone who is not using sunscreen. For example, if you use sunscreen with SPF 15, you can remain in the sun 15 times as long as someone with no protection before your skin begins to burn. Put another way, SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. SPF numbers increase incrementally, notes the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. A product with an SPF of 30 does not provide twice the protection of SPF 15. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UV rays. No sunscreen blocks all UV rays. Moisturizers that contain sunscreen usually are SPF15.
Ingredients
The chemicals in sunscreens filter and reflect the UV rays before the skin absorbs the radiation, says the University of Maryland Medical System. All sunscreens contain three families of ingredients. PABA derivatives, cinnamites and salicylates block UVB rays; benzophenones block short-wave UVA rays; and avobenzone, titanium oxide, zinc oxide or ecamsule block the remaining UVA wavelengths.
Application
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, recommends the Foundation. Sunscreen, even waterproof formulations, must be reapplied every two hours. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating heavily or drying off. Sunscreens must be applied generously to be fully effective. Use at least 1 ounce, or the amount of a shot glass, for every application. Do not apply sunscreen to infants younger than 3 months. These infants should not be exposed to the sun for any length of time.
Tips
Sunscreens cannot offer complete protection, and all sun exposure damages skin. The EPA advises wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade whenever possible. Try to avoid sunburns, and do not use tanning beds. Remember to apply sunscreen to your lips, tips of ears and bald spots. Sand, water and snow reflect light that can cause burns, too.
