What is sun protection?

It is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging.

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

What is meant by SPF?

SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates how long a topical sunscreen remains effective on the skin. A user can determine the duration of effectiveness simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen.

What is the best sunscreen?

Overall, the safest and most effective sun-protection products are pure zinc and/or titanium-based sunblocks. These two ingredients have been around a long time and boast great safety data. The ideal sunscreen blocks both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, is stable, doesn’t break down in the sun, and doesn’t get absorbed through the skin.

Is there any difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are sunblocks; they physically (like a brick wall) block both UVA and UVB rays. Besides these two, all other sunscreens are chemical-based sunscreens. Not all sunscreens effectively block UVA as well as UVB rays. The chemical sunscreens break down with sun exposure and may need more frequent application.

When should I use a sunscreen?

Dermatologists recommend that everyone use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater every day, year-round. If you plan to be in the sun more than 20-30 minutes a day, you should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Even on cloudy days, about 80% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds. Nowadays, so many moisturizers, lotions, and makeups have sunscreen built in that it doesn’t make sense to use any products that don’t contain sunscreen. It just makes it so mush easier. I recommend, for example, if you wear any foundation, that there be at least an SPF 15 built in. If not, you may want to change brands.

What about sensitive skin? I break out with almost all kinds of creams. What can I use?

Sunblocks with pure zinc or titanium are the best choices for sensitive skin. (Remember that zinc oxide is actually safely used on a baby’s skin for diaper rashes.) Wash off the sunscreen as soon as you get home in the evening.

Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation?

No. Some sunscreens protect against only one type of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet-B (UVB). Others protect against both types of ultraviolet radiation that reach earth’s atmosphere from the sun: ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A (UVA).

Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB, and are thus classified as “broad spectrum,” are recommended for everyone

Should everyone use sunscreen protection?

As a general rule, babies 6 months of age or younger should not have sunscreen applied to their skin because their bodies may not be capable of tolerating the chemicals in sunscreens. Instead, they should be kept away from sun exposure.

Everyone over 6 months of age should use a sunscreen regularly unless they and their doctors decide it would be better to protect the skin in other ways.

Do all tanning products contain sunscreens?

No, some don’t. Tanning products that don’t contain sunscreen will be required by the FDA to carry a warning label alerting consumers to the dangers of unprotected sunbathing.

Is sunscreen protection necessary in the winter / cloudy day?

Yes, UV radiation, though not as intense in the winter / cloudy day, still poses a threat, especially when rays reflect off snow. There is no safe time of year when it comes to UV radiation.

What general skin care tips do you give your patients?

The sun is not your friend! Our main prevention measures are aimed at sun avoidance and sun protection. These include

1. using zinc sunscreens with at least SPF 30,

2. using wide-brimmed hats (6 inches),

3. using physical barriers when possible like sun-protective clothing and sunglasses – denim jacket / white t-shirt

4. avoiding the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and

5.seeking shade and staying indoors.

My favourite sunscreen pick

Neutrogena SPF 50+ Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock