Sunscreens may act either:
- Chemically: absorb a specific portion of the spectrum thus preventing harmful rays from hitting the skins surface. Most sunscreens contain combinations of 2 or 3 of chemicals to prevent sunburn.
- Physically: provide a physical barrier to UV radiation and scatter or reflect the harmful rays.
- Examples: Zinc oxide, red petrolatum. Titanium dioxide.
- DONT FORGET: Hats, long sleeve shirts, and long lightweight pants.
APPLICATION and GENERAL INFORMATION- SUNSCREENS
- Cover all exposed areas evenly and liberally. Figure 1 oz per adult application in a swimsuit.
- Optimally apply 30 minutes BEFORE sun exposure for penetration and binding.
- Water resistant: the formula retains SPF after 40 minutes of activity in water, sweating or perspiring.
- VERY Water resistant: the formula retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity in water, sweating or perspiring.
- An SPF of at least 15 is recommended for most people by the Skin Cancer Foundation. HOWEVER...
- Products with SPF over 30 only block UVB slightly more than those of SPF=30. The higher concentration of chemicals increases potential for adverse effects, such as skin rashes. An SPF of 30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays. An SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.
- By bumping the SPF from 15 to 30, it may offer an extra margin of safety to consumers who do not apply a sunscreen as frequently as indicated.
- We don’t recommend sunscreen/bug repellant combos, because the sunscreen needs to be applied more frequently than insect repellant.
Sunlight Resistant Clothing
- Provides partial protection. A typical summer shirt has an SPF of 5 to 9.
- Baseball caps leave the ears, neck and lower face unprotected.
- Any summer outfit should include sunglasses, to prevent cataracts.
Tips for Sunburn Prevention:
- Avoid long term exposure during peak hours (10am-4pm)
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure
- Sunglasses: make sure they are UV protected. With dark glasses, pupil dilates allowing more harmful UV rays to damage retina.