Today R.J. Ignelzi, a Union-Tribune Staff Writer challenged readers of "signonsandiego" to test their knowledge on how to best block the sun's harmful rays. “All of us need to wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 – SPF 30 is even better – every day, no matter what your skin type or color,” says Dr. Darrell Gonzales, a dermatologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital
The following is a direct quote from signonsandiego.com
"You'd think with all the talk about sunscreens and skin cancer prevention that we'd have it made in the shade by now. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and an estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime.
That's more than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. It's the most common type of cancer, but it's also the most preventable.
Here's the rub: Most people don't use sunscreen correctly or combine it with other forms of sun protection to effectively safeguard their skin"
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
We agree R.J. Excellent point! That' why we are here to provide people with all they need to know about the logistics of sunscreen.
How should sunscreens be applied?
- Follow directions and shake the bottle before using.
- Thoroughly rub sunscreen over skin to make sure the coverage is even.
- Make sure all skin is covered (including neck, ears and lips).
- For people with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp as well.
- Sunscreen should be applied liberally and evenly to all exposed areas before sun or water exposure.
When should I apply sunscreen?
- Before doing any outside activities.
- Whenever you're spending time outdoors—and not just in the pool! (for picnics, walks, hiking, riding in a car, etc)
How often should sunscreen be applied?
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring, and toweling off.
- Reapply sunscreen often!
- Reapply Reapply Reapply
- "SPF" stands for "Sun Protection Factor."
- Indicates how much longer a person wearing sunscreen can stay in the sun before beginning to burn—than they would without using any sunscreen at all.
- SPF numbers generally range from 2 to 50.
- The American Academy of Dermatology and the Sun Safety Alliance (SSA) recommend an SPF of 15 or higher.
- For children, the SSA recommends sunscreen product with an SPF of 30.
What strength of sunscreen is best?
- Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you're outdoors.
- For children under 6 years of age, the SSA recommends sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Older children should use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
What Kinds of Sunscreens Are Available?
The role of sunscreens is to absorb, reflect or scatter damaging UV rays before they have a chance to interact with the skin. There are, however, many types of sunscreen available on the market today with many types of ingredients (and inactive ingredients) for various purposes and lifestyles. Whatever you choose, you should make sure your sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection. |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Avobenzone
Also known as Parsol® 1789, this sunscreen provides effective UVA protection and is used in combination with other sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection.
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Benzophenone
A class of sunscreens which includes oxybenzone, used in US products. These provide the UVA and UVB protection for many sunscreen products, but there is a great deal of controversy about its anaphylactic reaction, especially to children.
Homosalate
Homosalate is a UVB sunscreen that is often used in products with lower SPF ratings or in combination with other sunscreens in higher-protection products.
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Octisalate
A relative of homosalate, this UVB sunscreen is also used in lower-SPF products or combined with other sunscreens in products of higher SPF.
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Oxybenzone
A common sunscreen used in combination with other sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection.
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Para-aminobenzoic acid
Para-aminobenzoic acid was used as a sunscreen for many years, but is no longer used for many products. PABA can stain clothing and sting skin.
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Padimate 0
This water-resistant sunscreen is sometimes used for UVB protection in US products. (Also called octyl dimethyl PABA.)
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| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Broad-spectrum Protection
This refers to sunscreen products that contain ingredients to protect against both UVB and UVA rays.
Noncomedogenic
A product that is noncomedogenic will not clog the skin's pores. Noncomedogenic sunscreen products are designed for those who experience frequent or occasional breakouts.
Sunblock
Sunblock is a term used by sunscreen manufacturers to represent products which provide an SPF 12 or higher.
Sunscreens
All sun-protection products labeled with an SPF of 2 or higher are considered sunscreens. Sunscreen agents absorb, reflect, or scatter UV light.
Sweatproof
"Sweatproof" indicates that a product maintains its degree of sunburn protection after 40 minutes of water exposure.
Water-resistant, Waterproof
"Water-resistant" indicates that a product maintains its degree of sunburn protection after 40 minutes of water exposure. "Waterproof" or "very water-resistant" indicates that the degree of sunburn protection is maintained after 80 minutes of such exposure.
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