A trip to the sunscreen aisle can be confusing. What number SPF should you buy? Do you want a cream, gel, wax stick, pads, or spray on? And what is broad-spectrum protection, anyway?
Before you go outside, soak up the facts about sunscreen. And remember to use your sunscreen every day, all year round, even when it's cloudy. And because you are using sunscreen, be sure you're getting enough vitamin D every day.
The basics
Sunlight contains two types of harmful rays—ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and cause wrinkles and also increase skin cancer risk.
SPFSun protection factor (SPF) rates how well sunscreen protects against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. If your unprotected skin gets sunburned after 10 minutes in the sun, then it would take 15 times as long (or 150 minutes) when you're wearing an SPF 15.
An SPF higher than 15 to 20 gives you minimal added protection if reapplied every two hours. You should wear an SPF of at least 30 if you have a history of skin cancer or sun sensitivity, or if you cannot reapply sunscreen every two hours. No matter how high the SPF, no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 15 or higher. (Use a higher SPF sunscreen if you have a history of skin cancer or sun sensitivity, or if you cannot reapply sunscreen every two hours.)
Ingredients that add broad UVA protection* to a sunscreen include:
- Zinc oxide 7% (broadest and mildest, but slightly whitening on skin)
- Avobenzone 3% (Parsol 1789) photostabilized with octocrylene as in Neutrogena's Helioplex or with encamsule (Mexoryl) and others (invisible on skin)**
- Titanium dioxide 7% (less broad, mild, but slightly whitening)
Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, so they cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming. Sunscreens should be re-applied every two hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even water-resistant sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 80 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well, so if you've towel-dried, reapply sunscreen.
Cream, gel, or spray on?
Buy a brand and a type of sunscreen that you like so you'll use it. The way it's packaged isn't important. It's a matter of personal preference. Some athletes find that cream sunscreen can irritate their eyes when perspiring and prefer to use gel or spray-on sunscreen on the face.
Sunscreen for kids
Babies and children have sensitive skin that can be irritated by the chemicals in adult sunscreens. Children's sunscreens use ingredients that are less likely to irritate the skin. The mildest sunscreens are those with only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. For children six months old and older, use a sunscreen for children with an SPF 15 or higher. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under six months out of the sun.
Sunscreen for skin problems or allergies
People who have sensitive skin or allergies may benefit from using sunscreens with only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Avoid sunscreens with alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances. These sunscreens are usually labelled "chemical free." For those who cannot tolerate any sunscreen, clothes are the best protection. Most fabrics that cannot be seen through will give reasonable protection, but microfiber nylons and polyester are very sun protective. Clothing that has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating has been tested to provide excellent sun protection and can be found in sporting good stores or on the Internet.
How to apply sunscreen
Though choosing the right sunscreen is important, it's even more crucial that you apply it properly.
Apply early and often
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every few hours.
Be generous
Most people don't use enough sunscreen. An ounce is needed to cover the entire body. A good rule of thumb is to use a pea sized drop of sunscreen to cover the area of a palm.
Below you'll find the proper amount of sunscreen to apply to each body site for full coverage:
- Face: more than half a teaspoon
- Neck: more than half a teaspoon
- Arms: more than half a teaspoon on each arm
- Chest: more than one teaspoon
- Stomach: more than one teaspoon
- Back: more than one teaspoon
- Legs: more than one teaspoon on each leg
Don't forget your ears, nose, neck, hands, toes, and lips. Many skin cancers develop in these areas. Protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. If you're bald, wear a hat or apply sunscreen to the top of your head.
Sunscreen isn't enough
Sunscreen will never fully protect you from the sun.
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