SkinCancerNet Spotlight Article
How to Select Sunscreen
Dermatologists caution: Look at more than SPF

The choice of sunscreens can be overwhelming, especially during the summer months. Walk down any store aisle stocked with sunscreen, and you may see SPFs that range from single to triple digits. Some sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection. Others include insect repellant. You also are likely to find some bottles labeled sunscreen, while others read sunspray, suncream, or sunblock. Our 4-point checklist tells you what to look for.

4-Point Checklist

SPF of 30 or greater Short for “Sun Protection Factor,” the SPF tells you how well a product blocks ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, also known as the rays that cause sunburn. An SPF of 15 screens 93% of the UVB rays and an SPF of 30 screens 97% of the UVB rays. While a sunscreen with a higher SPF can be beneficial for people with very fair complexions and those visiting a tropical or sun-intense region, even sunscreen with an extremely high SPF cannot screen out 100% of UVB rays.

	Broad-spectrum protection Since SPF only indicates UVB protection, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen. “Broad spectrum” means the sunscreen also offers protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are the rays that age the skin. The label may say, “broad spectrum” or “UVA and UVB protection.” UVA protection is extremely important. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. Exposure to UVA can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. Be sure to purchase a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection.
	Water-resistant All sunscreens wash, rub, or sweat off, so there really is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. A sunscreen can be “water-resistant.” This means the product stays on the skin longer if it gets wet. You will need to reapply water-resistant sunscreen, too. Be sure to reapply approximately every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, and toweling off. Each time you apply the sunscreen, be sure to apply generously.
	Make sure you like the product Dermatologists often say that the best sunscreen is the one that you will use. Whether you buy a lotion, spray, gel, wax stick, or cream really is a matter of personal preference. Just make sure that you like it.

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Other Tips

• Buy a product for your lips. Skin cancer can develop on the lips, too — and be quite aggressive. The thought of applying the sunscreen that you just rubbed on the rest of your skin can be unappealing. Some sun-protection products are formulated specifically for the lips, and some lip balms offer sun protection. Be sure to select one that offers an SPF of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection.
   

• Buy insect repellant separately. While a product that contains insect repellant and sunscreen can be convenient, dermatologists generally recommend buying sunscreen and insect repellant separately. Sunscreens should be applied liberally approximately every 2 hours, but insect repellant should be applied sparingly every 6 hours. Applying a product that contains insect repellant too often can increase the risk of toxicity. Waiting 6 hours to reapply sunscreen limits sun protection.
   

• Makeup with an SPF has limits. Makeup that offers an SPF of 30 or greater and broad-spectrum coverage is ideal for incidental sun exposure (exposure you get every day without thinking about it, such as walking to and from your car).
  
  If you expect to be in the sun for longer than 10 to 15 minutes, dermatologists generally recommend applying sunscreen under your makeup — even if the makeup has an SPF. The sunscreen should offer an SPF of 30 or greater, UVA and UVB protection, and water resistance. And, yes, the sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 2 hours and after sweating, swimming, or toweling off. Sunscreen tends to break down over time and rub off with normal wear.

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Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. It is important to know that wearing sunscreen alone does not offer 100% protection from the sun. Seeking shade during peak daylight hours and wearing sun protective clothing also are important.

More Information
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Facts About Sunscreens

References:
American Academy of Dermatology. “Facts About Sunscreens.” Available at www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm. Last accessed June 23, 2009.

American Academy of Dermatology, “Recent Advances Make Sunscreen More Effective and Easier To Use,” News release issued May 5, 2008. Available at www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/Recent_Advances_Make_
Sunscreen_More_Effective_And_/. Last accessed June 23, 2009.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Sun Protection.” Page last updated April 30, 2009. Available at www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116445.htm. Last accessed June 23, 2009.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology