Sun Protection and Sunscreens

Sun Protection Strategy: Facts & Recommendations

Beatrice Whitney Van Ness (1888-1981), Summer Sunlight, circa 1936, American

UVB: (290-320 nm): Causes Sunburn. Absorbed well by most sunscreens. Penetrates the top layer of the skin (epidermis). Penetrates though clouds. Blocked by clear glass and tinted glass.

UVA: (320-400 nm): Causes Wrinkles, Skin Cancer and Tanning. Not blocked by many sunscreens. Penetrates the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Pentrates through clouds. Passes through clear glass, but is blocked by tinted glass.

SPF: Sun Protection Factor: Measures amount of UVB protection (not UVA).

A higher SPF number does not mean you can stay in the sun a longer amount of time.

SPF 15 protects the skin from 93% of UVB radiation

SPF 30 protects the skin from 97% of UVB radiation

UVA: To determine the UVA protection of a sunscreen, you must look at the specific ingredients.

Oxybenzone protects against short wave UVA

Avenobenzone (Parasol 1789) protects against long wave UVA

Titanium Dioxide (10%) and Zinc Oxide (5%) are broad spectrum physical blockers that protect against long and short wave UVA.

Other UVA Blockers: Dioxybenzone, Ecamulse, Menthyl anthranilate and Sulisobenzone.

Total Sun Protection Strategy: Slip, Slap & Slop

Slip, Slap & Slop:

Slip on a shirt

Slop on sunscreen

Slap on a hat

Lavishly apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Reapply ever two hours

Reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying

Use sunscreens on cloudy days

Most car windows do not protect you from UVA (unless glass is tinted)

Avoid the sun during the middle part of the day (10 am – 4 pm). Atmosphere absorbs less harmful UV rays of sunlight during these hours.

Wear wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and sunglasses

Sunscreen ALONE will not protect you completely. You need physical blockers like Hats,

Umbrellas and Shade.

Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out to give it time to be absorbed and activated.

Don’t forget lips, ears, feet, hands, bald spots and the back of the neck.

Article: Safe Tanning: Slip, Slap & Slop

Other Sunscreen Fun Facts

Helioplex has napthalate which stabilizes Avenobenzone. It is in Neutrogena products. You MAY NOT have to reapply sunscreen for up to 5 hours.

Mexoryl SX is a UVA blocker. Used in L’Oreal products.

“Broad Spectrum” means protection from UVA and UVB

“Water Resistant” means that the sunscreen must maintain its SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion.

“Very Water Resistent” means that the sunscreen must maintain its SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion.

"Sensitive Skin" - These sunscreens have minimal chemicals and should be fragrance-free.

Blue Lizard is a good brand for sensitive skin and babies.

Some sunscreens contain alcohol, fragrances and preservatives. These should be avoided if you have skin allergies. PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) and benzophenones can cause skin reactions. Acne, burning, blisters, dryness, itching, rash, redness, stinging, swelling, and tightening of the skin.

Some ConsumerSearch Favorites:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55

Blue Lizard Suncream Sensitive SPF 30+

Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblock

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense

MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection

Neutrogena Ultra Soft Hydrating

Lacome UV Expert with Mexoryl

Olay Body Age Transfor IV Defense Serum

Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunblock Lotion

Bull Frog Quick Gel