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on Jul 26th, 2016 and filed under 5 sunscreen tips: Lehigh Valley Health Network doctor offers advice … – Allentown Morning Call
Every summer we look forward to getting outside.
And even when it’s hot enough to fry an egg, we head to the beach or the pool to enjoy summer while it lasts.
But with each moment we’re out in the sun, we’re exposing ourselves to harmful rays. Of course we all know we should use sunscreen to protect our skin.
But there are so many brands and types that it can be difficult to make the right decision on what to use for ourselves and our families. There’s “organic,” “100 SPF,” “waterproof” and more. Do any of these work better to protect our skin?
We asked Dr. Rohit Sharma of Lehigh Valley Health Network for guidance about choosing the right sunscreen:
Q: When buying sunscreen, what are the most important ingredients to look for in products?
A: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection. Ecamsule and Abovenzone (stabilized) are the newer UVA protectors. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are older, cheaper alternatives, with newer manufacturing techniques that solve the problem of a pale/ghostly look. An SPF of 30 should be the minimum. There is no effect after SPF 50. Also look for a water-resistance sunscreen.
Q: Does the level of SPF really matter? Should I always try to buy the highest?
A: SPF (sun protection factor) measures protection against UVB (ultra violet B) only. It is the comparative ratio between the minimal erythemal dose (MED) — or the time it takes for reddening of skin or sunburn to start. SPF 15 prevents reddening 15 times longer than without it. This is theoretical time, as the sun damage can occur without reddening; hence reapplication of sunscreen is recommended about every two hours. The Skin Cancer Foundation considers SPF 15 adequate for normal everyday activity and SPF of 30 or higher for extended or intense outdoor exposures. Any number above that gives only very incremental dose reduction protection.
Q: What about products that claim to be waterproof or sweatproof. Are these claims true? If I plan to be in water or sweaty, will I still need to apply these sunscreens?
A: The FDA defines water-resistant sunscreen as meaning the SPF levels are effective after 40 minutes in water.
Very water resistant means it holds after 80 minutes of swimming. However, there are no waterproof sunscreens.
They need to be reapplied every time after entering and coming out of the water.
Q: How effective are non-chemical or organic sunscreens?
A: These have not been rigorously studied for effectiveness.
Q: What’s the bottom line when buying sunscreen?
A: Most importantly, apply the sunscreen liberally, frequently and cover all the potential sun-exposed areas of the skin. Apply every time after you sweat or go into the water. Apply every two hours and all over the sun-exposed areas. Also remember to protect the eyes with wrap-around sunglasses.
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MORE TIPS ON SUNSCREEN
Some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:
• How much to use: Use enough sunscreen to generously coat all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the amount of sunscreen that they should. You should be applying an ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass.
• When to do it: 15 minutes before you go outside
• Don’t forget: Lips can get sunburned, too. Buy a lip balm or lipstick that contains an SPF of 30 or higher.
