Sunscreen 101

Sunscreen – sunblock – SPF 30 – SPF 90 spray, gel, cream oh my!! All the terminology can get confusing and a bit overwhelming. Now that school is coming to an end and the weather is heating up, families are spending more time outdoors. I won’t sit here and tell you tell you that you need to wear sunscreen and rant about how bad sunburns are for your skin - you already know the dangers! With thousands of different options out there, browsing the shelves might involve a lot more thought. Keep reading for tips to keep you safe in the sun!

Let’s start with the basics. What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? There are two main types of the sun’s rays that can affect our skin – UVA and UVB. UVB rays reach the top of the skin which creates a sunburn or a tan. UVA rays go deeper into the skin’s layers. UVA rays can make your skin more prone to melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunscreen’s job is to absorb the UV rays. With sunscreen, the harmful rays are absorbed by the product on the skin. Sunblock has a slightly thinker consistency and stays longer on the skin. When using sunblock, the UV rays are deflected before your skin can absorb them. Whether you use sunscreen or sunblock, the product should be applied 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapplied every 1-2 hours.

Now that we have that sorted out, what about SPF? SPF or sun protection factor, shows to what degree a product prevents a sunburn. For protection against both UVA and UVB rays, you want to pick a product that has a “broad spectrum” of protection. Doubling the SPF value does not mean you get double the protection. SPF 15 blocks roughly 90% of UVB rays while SPF 30 blogs about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50, which is recommended for individuals who have sensitivity to the sun, blocks about 98%. It is recommended that you choose at least an SPF 30 with a broad spectrum if you are going to be outside for long periods of time. SPF 15 is perfect for day to day activities.

Now that we have the perfect sunscreen that fits your needs, let’s make sure you are applying it correctly. Less is not always more, especially when it comes to sunscreen. It is recommended to use one ounce of sunscreen for the entire body. Not using enough sunscreen lowers the amount of SPF coverage. Studies show that on average, only 20%-50% of the recommended amount is applied. It is important to not only apply enough sunscreen but allow time for the skin to absorb the sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Other important information you need to know about sunscreen:

·         All sunscreens and sunblock’s lose effectiveness if submerged in water. It is recommended to reapply after getting out of the water, toweling off or sweating.

·         Unfortunately, wearing sunscreen is not enough. It is important to wear a hat, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF also!

·         Did you know that the FDA has recently outlawed the use of words such as “waterproof” or “sweat proof?” FDA ruled that no product can make such claims. Instead, you will see such things as “water resistant.”

·         Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis can prevent the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging?

Hopefully this has cleared up the confusion of sunscreen! Here’s to a happy and healthy summer!