Sunscreen and Sunblock Facts

Check out the new sunscreen guidelines from the FDA. 

Why should I use sunscreen for sun protection?

Sun protection products help protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

You can’t see UV rays from the sun! Three types of UV rays contribute to skin cancers:

  • UV-A rays go deep into skin to cause damage like wrinkles, sagging and tanning. UV-A rays pass through window glass. Tanning booths emit primarily UV-A rays.

  • UV-B rays are shorter and stronger. UV-B rays burn the top layers of the skin.

  • UV-C rays are strongest and most dangerous. The ozone layer keeps them from reaching earth. But with a weakening ozone layer expect more exposure to these rays in the future.

Choosing and using sun protection products

Look at the SPF 
Sunscreen products contain active ingredients that absorb into your skin to provide sun protection within the skin layers. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number on the product label tells you how long the product will protect your skin from burning. Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.

Broad spectrum products are best
These products have ingredients that absorb into your skin and block harmful UV-A and UV-B rays from ever entering into your skin.

Use products that have an SPF of 30 or higher and contain one of the following:

  • zinc oxide
  • titanium dioxide
  • avobenzone
  • mexoryl

Is it water resistant?
Sun protection products may be labeled as “water resistant”. Don’t be misled by these labels – reapply sunscreen every 40-80 minutes when you have been in the water.


Tips for using sun protection products

  • Use one ounce (1 oz.) – enough to fill a shot glass or medicine cup – to protect the average adult.
  • Apply products 20-30 minutes before going outside.
  • Don’t forget to apply products to your ears, neck, scalp, hands and feet.
  • Apply a lip balm with SPF to your lips.
  • Reapply products every 2 hours.
  • Don’t forget to protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses with 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB rays.

Click here for tips on how to get the most out of your sunscreen.

Not a big fan of sunsreen, click here for some solutions to the most common sunscreen concerns.