How To Choose The Best SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

You know that you should use some form of sunscreen every day, right? Even during those colder winter month, sunscreen is vital to your skin’s health. But, how do you choose from all of those SPFs on the market? Is one sunscreen better than another? How do you know which one to select? This article will help to clear up that SPF confusion.

What Is SPF?

Quite literally, SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” In every instance, the higher the SPF number, the more protection you will receive against the sun’s UVB rays. While this information might be old news to you, did you know that the SPF number also indicates the amount of time that you can safely stay out in the sun?

For example, if you happen to be a person with sun sensitive skin, a SPF of 15 will allow you to safely remain outside for 15 times longer than they normally would. This logic can be applied to any SPF number out there.

The Higher the Better?

So, now the question is: what number should you be looking for? Well, most skincare experts tend to recommend a SPF that’s between 15-30. Any SPF number that’s higher than 30 generally doesn’t provide much more protection.

However, if you have extremely fair skin, you may want to seek an SPF or 15-30. This tiny bit of extra SPF may protect those with fair skin better than a lower number would. Even if you have dark skin, you should still wear sunscreen. Dark skin can burn just as easily as light skin can.

Powder, Liquid, or Spray?

Is there a difference between all of the powders, liquids, and sprays on the market? Is one type of sunscreen better than another? Generally, all types of sunscreen have been designed for mass use. Thus, the most important thing is to look at that SPF number.

However, you should also read sunscreen ingredients. If you use a sunscreen that’s integrated into another product (moisturizer or foundation), be careful about the ingredients included in that product. Some of these products may actually harm your skin.

Best Sunscreens

The best way to choose a sunscreen is to select one that is made from organic ingredients. These sunscreens do not contain a large amount of toxic chemicals. Instead, they are often composed of natural ingredients.

If you happen to have sensitive skin, choose a sunscreen that won’t make your skin break out. Likewise, if you intend to swim or sweat while wearing sunscreen, make sure to select a waterproof version.

Enjoy the Sun

The sun can be a welcomed thing. Sunshine feels great on skin, it gives us a boost of Vitamin D when we need it, and it has the ability to invoke positive feelings. In short, don’t avoid the sun completely.

Still, make sure that you wear a proper SPF every single time you venture outside – no matter what the season might be. This way, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about your skin.

SPF, UVB and UVA Protection Explained

Try this quiz:

• Is SPF 45 sunscreen three times stronger than SPF 15 sunscreen? Does it last three times longer?
• Do sunscreens provide better UVA protection than UVB protection?
• What works better, sunscreens or sunblocks?
• Do “broad-spectrum” sunscreens protect against all UV rays?

If you’re not certain of the answers, join the club. Recent research shows that people who buy sunscreens aren’t sure exactly what protection they offer, and are cloudy about the technical terms on their labels. A survey of 235 women who bought sunscreen found they did not know the difference between UVA and UVB or between SPF and UVA. They mistakenly believed that higher SPF ratings meant stronger UV protection, not longer protection, and the concept of “broad-spectrum” protection confused them further.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is urging sunscreen manufacturers to clarify the claims made on their products so that the public can make more informed purchases. In the meantime, we’d like to do our part. Here, from medical experts on The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee, is a concise primer on the ABC’s of sunscreen protection:

UVA (ultraviolet-A): long- wave solar rays of 320-400 nanometers (billionths of a meter). Although less likely than UVB to cause sunburn, UVA penetrates the skin more deeply, and is considered the chief culprit behind wrinkling, leathering, and other aspects of “photoaging.” The latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB ’s cancer-causing effects, but may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas.

UVB (ultraviolet-B): short-wave solar rays of 290-320 nanometers. More potent than UVA in producing sunburn, these rays are considered the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma.

Sunblocks and sunscreens: Sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays, sunblocks physically deflect them. Sunscreen has long blocked UVB effectively, but until recently provided less UVA protection. New ingredients such as octylcrylene and the benzophenones have improved sunscreen’s defenses against shorter UVA rays, and the revolutionary chemical avobenzone (Parsol 1789) works against all UVA wavelengths.

Sunblocks have also markedly improved. New preparations such as micronized titanium dioxide are less conspicuous on the skin and offer substantial protection against both UVA and UVB.

SPF (sun protection factor): measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection. If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about 5 hours. (Actually, it may take up to 24 hours after sun exposure for redness to become visible.) To maintain the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF’s of at least 15, which block 93 percent of UVB. While SPF’s higher than 30 block only 4 percent more UVB, they may be advisable for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of developing skin cancer. They also allow some margin for error if too little sunscreen is applied.

While SPF is the universal measurement of UVB protection, no comparable standard exists for UVA. Scientists worldwide are working to develop a standardized testing and certification method to measure UVA protection.

Broad-spectrum protection: The phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA as well as UVB. It does not guarantee protection against all UVA wavelengths, however. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens and sunblocks with an SPF of 15 or higher do a good job against UVB and short UVA rays; if they also contain avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum.

Even with the ideal sunscreen, some UV rays can get through to your skin and cause damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation considers sunscreen one part of a comprehensive sun protection program, along with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, shade, and sun avoidance from 10A.M. to 4 PM.

What is Sun Protection?

Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

How is sunburn best prevented?

The best ways to avoid sunburn are to:

• limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.;
• wear protective clothing, including
• a broad-brimmed hat,
• a shirt with sleeves that cover the arms, and
• a long skirt or pants with long legs; and
• use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

What is meant by SPF?

SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

A common mistake is applying too little sunscreen, which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.

People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.

Badger SPF 30 Sunblock for Face and Body

This week is sunscreen week at Beauty and Fashion Tech. I recently tried three of the top sunscreens in The Sunscreen Database from the Environmental Working Group. Because I have areas of melasma and hyperpigmentation, I have taken great interest in the products that were found to be highly effective by providing full spectrum protection. Today, I cover the number two sunscreen for safety and effectiveness in the database from the Badger company.

Badger SPF 30 for Face and Body has an impressive 20.5% of Micronized Zinc Oxide for full spectrum protection. The sun is not going to cut through this stuff much, if at all! A Mixture of natural oils and other natural ingredients allow it to also be water resistant for up to 40 minutes. If you want to be in the sun with maximum full spectrum protection, this sunscreen is an excellent choice.

One of my main motivations in trying some of the products near the top of the database was whether their high levels of physical blockers would leave traces of white on the skin. I found that Badger SPF 30 initially goes on with a tint of white, but that it absorbs fairly quickly. It definitely does not show with a hint of makeup over it. I also found that its water resistance was very good. I wore the product in the pool for about 45 minutes with no issues of burning or reactivating my melasma.

I personally liked the Badger Sunblock, but there are a few things about it that should be taken into consideration if you are considering it as a sunscreen:

First, it is pretty heavy on the oils, which is part of why it is so water resistant. In fact, I could still feel the product on my face after spending time in the pool.  As a result, I found that I felt a bit too oily with it on at times if I was not using it for its water resistant properties. However, it was perfect for swimming or sweating while working in the yard and is my new first choice for those activities.  I am also guessing that when I start getting drier skin in the fall, the Badger Sunscreen will be one that I will reach for.  If you have dry skin, this sunscreen might be perfect for you. If you have oily skin, you might want to try something with less oils or use this one only when swimming or otherwise need water resistence .

Second, it is scented with a floral aroma. It smells the most like lavender to me, which is one of the ingredients. I don’t mind the scent, but if you want an unscented product, this is not for you.

Badger also makes some really neat other products. I love, love, love their lip balm! I also really like their Badger Balm. I will be reviewing those in the near future.

California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick

Age: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that if exposure to the sun is unavoidable and your baby is under 6 months, a non-chemical sunscreen (like ours) should be used; consult with your physician. The AAP recommends that because an infant’s skin is very thin and sensitive, infants under 6 months should be kept out of the sun.

For Use: Face (does not sting the eyes) and body. Created especially for those who cannot tolerate fragrance. May be used everyday/year-round

Scent: No fragrance or scent masking agents

SPF Protection Level: Provides high-level protection against sunburn.
Water Resistant: Retains effectiveness after 80 minutes of activity in water or perspiring.

Product description: Pop this convenient PABA free, non-chemical, fragrance-free sunblock stick into your pocket, purse or diaper bag. The whole family will love this easy-to-use stick that gives those “hot spots” a boost of extra protection. Our non-chemical sunblock stick employs a highly micronized, non-whitening titanium dioxide that scatters and reflects dangerous UV rays, offering UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. Non-staining formula. It glides on smoothly for easy application. May be used in combination with our SPF30+ sunscreen lotions

Dermatologists and the American Cancer Society urge the use of sunscreen everyday and year-round.

A note from Jessica, developer of California Baby®: I have found this stick to be so convenient; it’s the perfect answer if you have trouble applying a sunscreen lotion onto your child, and it takes the struggle out of touch-up applications. For excellent results, start with one of our sunscreen lotions, and then apply the stick to over-exposed or sensitive areas throughout the day. I use the stick daily on my youngest son to protect a small scar he has on his face – with one quick stroke – it’s done before the complaints can start!

For Grownups:

* Moms, our sunblock works great under make-up because it is non-greasy and creates a nice “cover-up” base under foundation or powder.
* Winter use: Since studies show that the risk of sunburn increases at higher altitudes, it’s especially important to wear sunscreen on the slopes.

Even if you stay at the same elevation all winter long, don’t let winter’s chill fool you, the sun is still strong and can do lots of damage to your skin. The gentle water resistant formula won’t drip into your eyes and sting when you sweat. Clouded vision from runny sunscreen is annoying on the beach and on the ski slopes it can be downright dangerous.

Benefits & Features:

* Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
* No fragrance or scent masking agents
* UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
* Water Resistant
* Non-whitening micro-titanium dioxide
* No Octyl Methoxycinnamate
* PABA free
* Scatters and reflects UV rays
* Non-chemical sun block
* Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
* Non-comedogenic
* Non-staining formula

Tip:

* Wearing a hat and sunglasses are also important.

Solar Rx Sunblock SPF 30+ by Keys

Now contains 18.5% zinc oxide (previous formula contained 15.5% zinc). Broad Spectrum UVB, UVA,& UVC Chemical-Free Protection – Ranked the #1 Cosmetic/UVA protecting sunblock by Consumer Reports Magazine!

Solar Rx is an everyday moisturizing cosmetic sunblock for the face, neck and hands. Solar Rx is not designed to be used for going to the beach, sun bathing, sports or water activities. The moisturizing properties and cosmetically clear sunblock make it ideal for everyday use as a foundation for makeup or alone. Solar Rx was designed to offer the maximum physical protection from UVA and SPF 30 for UVB burning rays without using a chemical sunscreen. As a cosmetic UV protection, it goes on clear with no heavy oily feeling or white cast. Solar Rx can be applied once a day for under makeup with minimal direct sun exposure. For direct sun exposure, we recommend reapplying at least every two hours on the face neck and hands. Tropical and high intensity sun conditions require even more frequent application. UV index ratings of 8 and above for average skin can require application as much as every 15 minutes as tested using a UV meter. This is not a product for sun bathing, extreme hot weather sports or swimming.

Keys Solar Rx is featured on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Report as the safest sunscreen on the market. Keys Solar Rx was featured as the most effective non-waterproof category sunblock for UVA and UVB in the Consumer Reports July 2007 issue. It is rare to find a product that is both safe to use and effective.

Keys Solar Rx carries a UVB (UV Burning) rating of SPF 30+ and a UVA (UV Aging) of four stars using the EU rating system. It is important to note that 90% of all visible skin aging comes from UVA. Be very careful of sunscreens with high SPF numbers that do not rate their UVA protection. High SPF rated chemical sunscreens will prevent burning, but often do little to provide UVA protection.

Solar Rx is both moisturizer and sunblock. It combines the healing soothing properties of our Luminos Moisturizer and adds a 18.5% concentration of uncoated nano-zinc oxide to provide a physical UVA and UVB blocking to protect against UV triggered Melanoma and Skin Cancer. Our nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) is uncoated to provide healing therapies associated with zinc oxide. The uncoated zinc has also proven to be anti-bacterial and antimicrobial and can reduce redness, rosacea, age spots and melasma. Solar Rx carries a EWG Skin Deep Rating of 0 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best).

”As a Melanoma survivor, I developed Solar Rx to protect people with sensitive skin from UVA and UVB radiation. We use no chemical sunscreens, only pure uncoated zinc oxide in a natural lotion base. Solar Rx is for those who want to avoid the extreme aging effects of UVA and UVB on a daily basis.” Wendy Steele, Keys CEO and Founder

Contains: 18.5% nano zinc-oxide (uncoated), 10% shea butter, avocado oil, carrot seed oil, black cumin oil, essential oil blend, purified water, vegetable glycerin, USP kosher vegetable wax (from palm), rosemary extract. Organic content > 80%. Note: Keep at cool or room temperatures, product may separate if overheated.

Available in 2 Sizes: 100 ml (3.4 oz) Airless Pump & 0.5 oz (15ml) sample size ($4.49)
*Scented with a Light solvent-free Grapefruit & Orange Essential Oil Blend*Safe for Vegans*
ULTRA SHEER – NO WHITE-TINT * NO TITANIUM DIOXIDE *

Immediate Pigment Darkening (IPD)

Star rating system

In the UK and Ireland, the Boots star rating system is a proprietary in vitro method used to describe the ratio of UVA to UVB protection offered by sunscreen creams and sprays. Based on original work by Prof. Brian Diffey at Newcastle University, the Boots Company in Nottingham, UK, developed a standard method which has been adopted by most companies marketing these products in the UK. The logo and methodology of the test are licensed for a token fee to any manufacturer or brand of sunscreens that wishes to use it, provided the products to which the logo is applied perform to the standard claimed. It should not be confused with SPF, which is measured with reference to burning and UVB.

One-star products provide the least ratio of UVA protection; five-star products are best. The method has recently been revised in the light of the Colipa UVA PF test, and with the new EU recommendations regarding UVA PF. The method still uses a spectrophotometer to measure absorption of UVA vs UVB; the difference stems from a requirement to pre-irradiate samples (where this was not previously required) to give a better indication of UVA protection, and of photo stability when the product is used. With the current methodology, the lowest rating is three stars, the highest being five stars.

In August 2007, the FDA put out for consultation the proposal that a version of this protocol be used to inform users of American product of the protection that it gives against UVA.

Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD)

The Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) method is a method of measuring UVA protection, similar to the SPF method of measuring UVB light protection. Originally developed in Japan, it is the preferred method used by skin care manufacturers.

Instead of measuring erythema or reddening of the skin, the PPD method uses UVA radiation to cause a persistent darkening or tanning of the skin. Theoretically, a sunscreen with a PPD rating of 10 should allow you to endure 10 times as much UVA as you would without protection. The PPD method is an in vivo test like SPF. In addition, Colipa has introduced a method which, it is claimed, can measure this in vitro and provide parity with the PPD method

As part of revised guidelines for sunscreens in the EU, there is a requirement to provide the consumer with a minimum level of UVA protection in relation to the SPF. This should be a UVA PF of at least 1/3 of the SPF to carry the UVA seal. The implementation of this seal is in its phase-in period, so a sunscreen without it may already offer this protection.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen — the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (the ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn).

The SPF is the amount of UV radiation required to cause sunburn on skin with the sunscreen on, relative to the amount required without the sunscreen. So, wearing a sunscreen with SPF 50, your skin will not burn until it has been exposed to 50 times the amount of solar energy that would normally cause it to burn. The amount of solar energy you are exposed to depends not only on the amount of time you spend in the sun, but also the time of day. This is because, during early morning and late afternoon, the sun’s radiation must pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere before it gets to you. In practice, the protection from a particular sunscreen depends on factors such as:

* The skin type of the user.
* The amount applied and frequency of re-application.
* Activities in which one engages (for example, swimming leads to a loss of sunscreen from the skin).
* Amount of sunscreen the skin has absorbed.

The SPF is an imperfect measure of skin damage because invisible damage and skin aging are also caused by ultraviolet type A (UVA, wavelength 320 to 400 nm), which does not cause reddening or pain. Conventional sunscreen blocks very little UVA radiation relative to the nominal SPF; broad spectrum sunscreens are designed to protect against both UVB and UVA. According to a 2004 study, UVA also causes DNA damage to cells deep within the skin, increasing the risk of malignant melanomas. Even some products labeled “broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection” do not provide good protection against UVA rays. The best UVA protection is provided by products that contain zinc oxide, avobenzone, and ecamsule. Titanium dioxide probably gives good protection, but does not completely cover the entire UV-A spectrum, as recent research suggests that zinc oxide is superior to titanium dioxide at wavelengths between 340 and 380 nm.

Owing to consumer confusion over the real degree and duration of protection offered, labeling restrictions are in force in several countries. In the EU sunscreen labels can only go up to SPF 50+ (actually indicating a SPF of 60 or higher) while Australia’s upper limit is 30+. The United States does not have mandatory, comprehensive sunscreen standards, although a draft rule has been under development since 1978. In the 2007 draft rule, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to institute the labelling of SPF 50+ for sunscreens offering more protection. This and other measures were proposed to limit unrealistic claims about the level of protection offered (such as “all day protection”).

UV-B sunlight spectrum (on a summer day in the Netherlands), along with the CIE Erythemal action spectrum. The effective spectrum is the product of the former two.

The SPF can be measured by applying sunscreen to the skin of a volunteer and measuring how long it takes before sunburn occurs when exposed to an artificial sunlight source. In the US, such an in vivo test is required by the FDA. It can also be measured in vitro with the help of a specially designed spectrometer. In this case, the actual transmittance of the sunscreen is measured, along with the degradation of the product due to being exposed to sunlight. In this case, the transmittance of the sunscreen must be measured over all wavelengths in the UV-B range (290–320 nm), along with a table of how effective various wavelengths are in causing sunburn (the erythemal action spectrum) and the actual intensity spectrum of sunlight (see the figure). Such in vitro measurements agree very well with in vivo measurements. Numerous methods have been devised for evaluation of UVA and UVB protection The most reliable spectrophotochemical methods eliminate the subjective nature of grading erythema.

Mathematically, the SPF is calculated from measured data as

where E(λ) is the solar irradiance spectrum, A(λ) the erythemal action spectrum, and MPF(λ) the monochromatic protection factor, all functions of the wavelength λ. The MPF is roughly the inverse of the transmittance at a given wavelength.

The above means that the SPF is not simply the inverse of the transmittance in the UV-B region. If that were true, then applying two layers of SPF 5 sunscreen would be equivalent to SPF 25 (5 times 5). The actual combined SPF is always lower than the square of the single-layer SPF.

Measurements of UVA protection – Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD)

The Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) method is a method of measuring UVA protection, similar to the SPF method of measuring UVB light protection. Originally developed in Japan, it is the preferred method used by manufacturers such as L’Oreal.

Instead of measuring erythema or reddening of the skin, the PPD method uses UVA radiation to cause a persistent darkening or tanning of the skin. Theoretically, a sunscreen with a PPD rating of 10 should allow you to endure 10 times as much UVA as you would without protection. The PPD method is an in vivo test like SPF. In addition, Colipa has introduced a method which, it is claimed, can measure this in vitro and provide parity with the PPD method.

The UVA seal used in the EU

As part of revised guidelines for sunscreens in the EU, there is a requirement to provide the consumer with a minimum level of UVA protection in relation to the SPF. This should be a UVA PF of at least 1/3 of the SPF to carry the UVA seal. The implementation of this seal is in its phase-in period, so a sunscreen without it may already offer this protection.

Making Sense of Sunscreen Products

Most people are understandably confused when it comes to choosing a sunscreen because of the baffling array of available choices. Common questions about sunscreens include

* How high should the SPF be?

* Should it block UVA or UVB?

* Does it matter whether it is a gel, cream, or spray?

* Should it be water-resistant or waterproof?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF numbers on a product can range from as low as 2 to as high as 60. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s burning rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. The higher the SPF, the greater the sun protection. However, it is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

The sun’s rays contain different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. The two types of UV rays that pass through the earth’s atmosphere and cause damage to the skin are UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and affects the outer layer of skin.

The strength of UVB radiation depends upon the time of day, season of the year, and geographic location. UVB rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are stronger in summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator.

Unlike UVB rays, which do not penetrate glass, UVA rays can travel through window glass and damage the deeper layers of the skin. Both UVA and UVB light contribute to age-related changes in the skin such as wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and prominent blood vessels. Both UVA and UVB exposure raise the risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreens can be broadly classified into two categories: chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation while physical sunscreens act by physically blocking it. Chemical sunscreens can be UVA or UVB absorbers. Many sunscreens have a combination of ingredients and may contain both physical and chemical sunscreens.

Physical sunscreens are good blockers of both UVA and UVB radiation. The two most common physical blockers of UV radiation are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Examples of chemical sunscreens include:

* PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): Rarely found in modern preparations, PABA was an early chemical sunscreen that often induced sensitivity reactions.

* PABA esters (glyceryl, padimate A and padimate O): These newer preparations have fewer side effects than the original PABA.

* Salicylates (homosalate, octyl salicylate)

* Cinnamates (cinoxate, octyl methoxycinnamate or octocrylene): Octocylene is a cinnamate with both UVA and UVB absorbing properties.

* Benzophenones: These can absorb both UVA and UVB rays.

* Ecamsule (Mexoryl) is a potent UVA blocking compound.

Since both UVA and UVB radiation can be damaging, an ideal sunscreen provides protection from both types of radiation. The SPF system measures only the degree of protection from UVB rays. No rating system exists that measures the degree of protection from UVA exposure.

Most experts recommend reading the list of ingredients in a sunscreen to see if it has broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) coverage. Many products labeled as “broad spectrum” or “UVA blockers” do not adequately block UVA rays. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should contain avobenzone, ecamsule (Mexoryl), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for significant UVA protection.

Whether you choose a lotion, stick, gel, or cream sunscreen depends largely on your skin type and personal preference. Oil-free gels are good solutions for facial skin prone to breakouts, and sprays may make application to the back and shoulders easier.

“Water-resistant” sunscreens should retain their protective ability for at least 40 minutes in water. Those labeled “waterproof” should protect the skin for 80 minutes in water.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis throughout the year. An important note is that no sunscreen can be effective unless it is properly and frequently applied. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time.

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