Sun Protection Tips

Sun Protection Tips

By now the effects of over-exposure to the sun are obvious to all of us. Staying out of the sun is your best protection against skin cancer, but if that's not possible, your next line of defense is to use a 'broad-spectrum' sunscreen, intended to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, two harmful types of ultraviolet light. It's important to use a sunscreen that protects you from both types of rays as this will give you the greatest protection against sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.

You will notice that every sunscreen boasts a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on its package. The SPF offers a way to determine how long you can ideally stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, an SPF 15 should allow you to stay out 15 times as long (15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes) before burning. This assumes no sweating, swimming or loss of protection. Once you know your own burn limits, use this equation to help choose the SPF that is best for you.

Due to the FDA monograph ruling of January 1, 2003, you will no longer be able to purchase sunscreen with an SPF factor higher than 30 plus (30+), as the FDA has determined that SPF products over 30 do not significantly increase protection. Additionally, the FDA has ruled that no sunscreen may be called 'waterproof' as no sunscreen is actually waterproof. However, some sunscreens last longer when exposed to water.

First determine the appropriate SPF protection you need, then follow these tips to minimize the risks of being out in the sun.
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. If you wait until you're in the sun to apply it, you can hasten your burn time by as much as two times.
• Generously apply sunscreen; a layer too thin can diminish its effectiveness. Make sure your skin is dry when applying. An average size bottle (3-5 ounces) should last for 8 hours in the sun if applying all-over and frequently.
• Don't overlook your neck, cheeks, nose, ears, bald spots, back of the calves, and knees.
• Reapply, reapply and reapply some more. Swimming and sweating will reduce the effective time of a sunscreen, so reapplication is best to maximize benefits. Also, if you rub your skin with a towel, reapply. NO sunscreen is towel-proof.
• If you swim or sweat a great deal, select a 'water resistant' or 'very water resistant' sunscreen. Both retain their SPF protection when exposed to water far longer than regular sunscreens.
• Use a lip balm that features a high SPF. Your lips are as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of you.

Alba Sun features a complete line of hypo-allergenic sun care products.

Back to top