Skin Protection Against the Sun

New information regarding the effectiveness of sunscreens has come to light. Not all sunscreens block out all harmful rays. Spending a lot of time in the sun heightens the possibilities of skin cancers and wrinkling at an earlier age. When searching for a sun block that provides optimum protection, be sure it blocks both types of ultraviolet light. Also, knowing how to use sunscreens will help prevent premature aging and skin cancers due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

There are two kinds of ultraviolet rays that damage skin, UVA and UVB. When searching among the countless products that claim to block harmful effects of the sun check that both are listed. It's important to read the label. The sunscreens that protect best against UVAs contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone. If one of these is not listed, leave it on the shelf. The lotion should also be water resistant, the claim that a lotion is "water proof" is unsubstantiated and merely a gimmick to get you to buy that particular brand. There are no lotions that completely block the sun's rays. The Food and Drug Administration has recommended that the word sunscreen be used instead of sun block to clarify the true character of lotions that inhibit the dangers of the sun.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, which refers to the less harmful UVB rays and not the UVA rays. The higher the SPF is the greater the protection. Choose a sunscreen of at least an SPF 30.

Sun beating down on a beach. Beautiful photo by Henk L

Credit: Henk L (Henkster www.sxc.hu/index.phtml)

Copyright: Henk L