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Some cosmetics, such as lipsticks and foundations, also are considered sunscreen products if they contain sunscreen. Some makeup contains sunscreen, but only the label can tell you. Makeup, including lipstick, without sunscreen does not provide sun protection. Check the labels to find out.
When selecting a sunscreen product, read the label before you buy. Experts recommend products with an SPF of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen; a higher number means more protection.
It is important to remember that sunscreen does not give you total protection. When using SPF 15 and applying it correctly, you get the equivalent of one minute of UVB rays for every 15 minutes you spend in the sun. So, one hour in the sun wearing SPF 15 sunscreen is the same as spending four minutes totally unprotected.
The SPF number indicates protection against UVB rays only. Sunscreen products labeled “broad-spectrum” protect against UVA and UVB radiation, but at this time there is no standard system for measuring protection from UVA rays. Products with an SPF of 15 or higher that also contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are likely to be effective against UVB and most UVA rays.
Check for an expiration date on the sunscreen container to be sure it is still effective. Most sunscreen products are no longer as effective after two to three years.
Some sunscreen products can irritate skin. Many products claim to be “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested,” but the only way to know for sure whether a product will irritate your skin is to apply a small amount and wait for three days. If your skin does not turn red or become tender and itchy, the product should be okay for you to use.
Proper Application: Always follow the label directions. Most sunscreens recommend applying the product generously to dry skin 20–30 minutes before going outside so your skin has time to absorb the chemicals. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands and arms, generously coating the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you’re going to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply the sunscreen first. For high-glare situations, a higher SPF sunscreen or zinc oxide may be used on your nose and lips.
About one ounce of sunscreen (a “palmful”) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled “waterproof” may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are “water resistant” may provide protection for only 40 minutes. Remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to reapply it.
Sunless tanning products, such as bronzers and extenders, give skin a golden color, but unlike sunscreens, these products provide very little protection from UV damage.
— WEAR A HAT
A hat with at least a two- to three-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about seven inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) also is good. These often are sold in sports and outdoor supply stores.
A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the back of the neck or the ears where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not recommended unless they are tightly woven.
— WEAR UV-BLOCKING SUNGLASSES
Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increases your chances of developing an eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99–100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Some labels may say, “UV absorption up to 400 nm.” This is the same as 100-percent UV absorption. Also, labels that say “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block about 70 percent of the UV rays. If there is no label, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any protection.
Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label. Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles. Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses, not toy sunglasses.
Ideally, all types of eyewear, including prescription glasses and contact lenses, should absorb the entire UV spectrum. Some contact lenses are now made to block most UV rays, but because they don’t cover the whole eye and surrounding areas, they are not recommended for use as the only eye protection.
— LIMIT DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE
Another way to limit exposure to UV light is to avoid being outdoors in sunlight too long. UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Plan activities out of the sun during these times. If you must be outdoors, protect your skin.
UV rays reach the ground throughout the year, even on cloudy days. UV rays can also pass through water, so don’t think you’re safe if you’re in the water and feeling cool. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow because sand and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation you receive.
When selecting a sunscreen product, read the label before you buy. Experts recommend products with an SPF of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen; a higher number means more protection.
It is important to remember that sunscreen does not give you total protection. When using SPF 15 and applying it correctly, you get the equivalent of one minute of UVB rays for every 15 minutes you spend in the sun. So, one hour in the sun wearing SPF 15 sunscreen is the same as spending four minutes totally unprotected.
The SPF number indicates protection against UVB rays only. Sunscreen products labeled “broad-spectrum” protect against UVA and UVB radiation, but at this time there is no standard system for measuring protection from UVA rays. Products with an SPF of 15 or higher that also contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are likely to be effective against UVB and most UVA rays.
Check for an expiration date on the sunscreen container to be sure it is still effective. Most sunscreen products are no longer as effective after two to three years.
Some sunscreen products can irritate skin. Many products claim to be “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested,” but the only way to know for sure whether a product will irritate your skin is to apply a small amount and wait for three days. If your skin does not turn red or become tender and itchy, the product should be okay for you to use.
Proper Application: Always follow the label directions. Most sunscreens recommend applying the product generously to dry skin 20–30 minutes before going outside so your skin has time to absorb the chemicals. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands and arms, generously coating the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you’re going to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply the sunscreen first. For high-glare situations, a higher SPF sunscreen or zinc oxide may be used on your nose and lips.
About one ounce of sunscreen (a “palmful”) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled “waterproof” may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are “water resistant” may provide protection for only 40 minutes. Remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to reapply it.
Sunless tanning products, such as bronzers and extenders, give skin a golden color, but unlike sunscreens, these products provide very little protection from UV damage.
— WEAR A HAT
A hat with at least a two- to three-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about seven inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) also is good. These often are sold in sports and outdoor supply stores.
A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the back of the neck or the ears where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not recommended unless they are tightly woven.
— WEAR UV-BLOCKING SUNGLASSES
Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increases your chances of developing an eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99–100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Some labels may say, “UV absorption up to 400 nm.” This is the same as 100-percent UV absorption. Also, labels that say “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block about 70 percent of the UV rays. If there is no label, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any protection.
Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label. Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles. Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses, not toy sunglasses.
Ideally, all types of eyewear, including prescription glasses and contact lenses, should absorb the entire UV spectrum. Some contact lenses are now made to block most UV rays, but because they don’t cover the whole eye and surrounding areas, they are not recommended for use as the only eye protection.
— LIMIT DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE
Another way to limit exposure to UV light is to avoid being outdoors in sunlight too long. UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Plan activities out of the sun during these times. If you must be outdoors, protect your skin.
UV rays reach the ground throughout the year, even on cloudy days. UV rays can also pass through water, so don’t think you’re safe if you’re in the water and feeling cool. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow because sand and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation you receive.
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