SPF is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin.
Here's how it works:
Minutes to burn without sunscreen x SPF number = maximum sun exposure time
For example, if you burn after 20 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF of 15 will allow you to be in the sun for up to 300 minutes without burning.
Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 99 percent.
No sunscreen can block all UV rays
UVB rays cause sunburns
UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply, has more long-term damaging effects on the skin, like premature aging, wrinkling, sagging and they are being seen as a cause of skin cancer. UVA penetrates glass.
Who should use sunscreen?
*Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily.
*Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. So when you take your infant outside, take special care!
What to use?
· Look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which guarantees that a sunscreen product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness.
· Until FDA strengthens and finalizes sunscreen safety standards first drafted 31 years ago, consumers can't be confident that products on store shelves are safe and effective. Please see
· SPF 55+ might tempt you to stay out longer in the sun, but they block just 1-2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 sunscreen.
· Buy new sunscreen every year and avoid powders and sprays
· Some of our picks: Soleo Organics - you can find at Summer For Kids, California Baby SPF30 no fragrance
How To Use
*Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you are exposed to the sun to allow optimum absorption of your sunscreen
*No sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Reapply!
*To maintain the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming!
*Make sure you're wearing enough sunscreen. As a rule of thumb, use 3 tablespoons to cover your entire body.
Try to avoid intense midday sun from 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is at its strongest during the summer months or when on holiday in tropical countries.
Drink lots of water. Skin needs special protection in the sun not only from UV rays but from drying up too, because dry skin is more vulnerable to the sun.
BE SAFE!
http://www.skincancer.org/
http://www.ewg.com/
