Sunscreens block the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. You will find that each sunscreen has an sun protection factor (SPF) that is equal to the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning. So, if you are sitting in the sun for 10 minutes and you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10, you can sit in the sun for 10 X 10 minutes without burning. Very pale-skinned people should use a very high SPF or a total sunblock. Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). If you are going to be outside for a while, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you'll be in the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. If you'll be playing sports, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and sweat-proof. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Avoid spending a lot of time outside during this time period without wearing a sunscreen. When you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, and a hat with a brim. OK, you’ll look like a geek and be hot in the sun, but you will not burn. Wear sunglasses that provide almost 100 percent protection against ultraviolet radiation. Reflective surfaces such as snow and water can increase the amount of UV radiation to which your skin is exposed. Be aware that certain medications--such as antibiotics, some antidepressants and medications used to treat acne--can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist if your medications might have this effect on you. Thursday, June 24, 2010
Why Use a Sunscreen?
Sunscreens block the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. You will find that each sunscreen has an sun protection factor (SPF) that is equal to the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning. So, if you are sitting in the sun for 10 minutes and you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10, you can sit in the sun for 10 X 10 minutes without burning. Very pale-skinned people should use a very high SPF or a total sunblock. Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). If you are going to be outside for a while, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you'll be in the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. If you'll be playing sports, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and sweat-proof. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Avoid spending a lot of time outside during this time period without wearing a sunscreen. When you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, and a hat with a brim. OK, you’ll look like a geek and be hot in the sun, but you will not burn. Wear sunglasses that provide almost 100 percent protection against ultraviolet radiation. Reflective surfaces such as snow and water can increase the amount of UV radiation to which your skin is exposed. Be aware that certain medications--such as antibiotics, some antidepressants and medications used to treat acne--can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist if your medications might have this effect on you. 
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