Sunscreens

This weeks topic is "Sunscreens". Many people ask us our recommendations on sunscreens. There are a couple points to keep in mind when selecting a sunscreen that many people are not familiar with or do not consider. We hope this blog helps you select a good protective sunscreen that is also comfortable to wear.

1. You need to frequently apply the sunscreen—every hour if you are swimming, sweating or are continuously in sunlight. Sun screen will break down and wear out over time, get rubbed or washed off. Therefore, by paying attention and re-applying it, you will protect yourself better.
2. You need a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Studies have shown that most people do not put sun screen on heavily enough to achieve the advertised SPF. When the SPF is measured, it is measured with a controlled amount of sunscreen per square inch of skin. That amount basically equals about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover the normally exposed parts of the body. Most sunscreen containers contain about 4 to 8 ounces of sunscreen, so spending 4 hours in full sunlight, reapplying sunscreen as you should, would completely use up a 4 ounce bottle and half of an 8 ounce bottle of sunscreen. Most people purchase a bottle of sunscreen in the early summer and are still using that same bottle at the end of the summer which means that they are not putting the sunscreen on thick enough or frequently enough or both, to get the advertised SPF.
3. The SPF only tells you how much protection you will have against a sunburn which is caused by UVB rays. There is another ray of the sun, UVA, that at least one cancer center has theorized may be responsible for causing skin cancer. We know that UVA does cause uneven pigmentation and wrinkles--the signs of aging. The concern is that you may use a sunscreen with a high SPF and not get a sunburn, since you are blocking the UVB, but you will still get lots of UVA which may still cause skin cancer and the signs of aging. There is currently no number or factor like “SPF” that tells you how much UVA protection a sunscreen has. A high SPF does not mean you have good UVA protection. Therefore, you need to look at the back label for active ingredients. Make sure your sunscreen has either “Titanium dioxide”, “Zinc oxide”, “Parsol 1789”, "Avobenzone", or "Mexoryl". These are currently the only FDA approved UVA blockers in the US. In the near future, there will be an "A", "B" or "C", etc. (for example SPF 30-A) that will tell a consumer both the UVB protection and the UVA protection a sunscreen has. For now, we have to read the labels.
4. Match your sunscreen to your activity. If you are going to be sedentary, pick a thicker, creamier sunscreen or sunblock. If you are playing sports, then pick a spray or gel based sunscreen to avoid getting the product in your eyes.
5. We have several sunscreens available here at Greenville Dermatology, all of which have both good UVB and UVA protection. "Anthelios" is a great daily UVA blocker to be used under makeup and as a daily moisturizer. “Kinesys” is an excellent spray-on for sports active children and adults and will not block pores for those of you with acne. “Blue Lizard” which comes in regular, sport, kids and face versions is a great standby.