Sunscreen 101

When it comes to selecting a sunscreen, there are hundreds of brands on the shelves with varying amounts of SPF protection that shout “safe and effective.” How to choose which one and how to know what you really need to protect your skin? Irene Rossmer, MD, a surgical oncologist at Atlantic Health System, helps sort it out for you.

“Reducing your exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) will protect your skin from sunburn, long-term skin damage, and skin cancer,” says Dr. Rossmer. She explains that regardless of your age or skin tone, it’s important to get in the habit of using skin protection to safely enjoy the outdoors. “Anything is better than nothing, so find something that works for you and be consistent about it.”

Below are five tips to help you find the best options:

1. Broad-Spectrum

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause premature aging of the skin, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer.

2. Ingredients

There are two types of sunscreens — mineral and chemical. Each filters UV rays differently. Mineral sunscreens, made of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and create a barrier of protection by deflecting the sun’s UV rays. Since they don’t absorb into the skin, they can look and feel a little filmy. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that penetrate the skin and use various FDA-approved sun-filtering compounds that absorb UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the surface of the skin.

3. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Look for a product with an SPF of 30 or higher. The numeric rating refers to how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn. Anything over 50 isn’t necessary.

4. Water Resistance

The FDA has banned manufacturers from claiming a sunscreen is waterproof, but make sure your choice is water-resistant. Products that are water-resistant from sweat and swimming will remain effective for up to 80 minutes. This means you need to reapply every two hours if you’re sweating, swimming, or have prolonged sun exposure.

5. Types

Sunscreens come in many forms: lotions, sticks, gels, and sprays. In general, lathering on a lotion provides the most thorough and trustworthy coverage. Aerosols blow into the air when applying them, which can leave spotty coverage. Sticks and gels can get messy and even melt in extreme heat.

Sun Smart

To keep your body cool and your skin safe, find shade — especially between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Lightweight clothing can also help reflect the sun. In fact, some clothing brands now have ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings, which indicate the percentage of blocked UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat will protect your face and neck. And sunglasses with UV protection are more than a fashion statement, they help shield against light sensitivity and protect your vision.

“These recommendations apply to newborns and infants, too,” says Dr. Rossmer. “The best way to protect fragile young skin is to keep a baby in the shade, covered in clothes and a hat. Of course, if you can’t avoid the sun, use a mineral-based sunscreen formulated for babies and carefully apply it to exposed skin.”

Protection That Works

Dr. Rossmer also stresses that the proper way to measure the correct amount of sunblock is a shotglass-size amount of sunscreen applied to exposed skin 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply this same amount every two hours, or sooner if you are sweating or swimming. She also recommends that all adults should see a dermatologist annually for a skin cancer checkup.

“Even if your skin doesn’t burn easily, sun damage can show up in the form of premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer,” says Dr. Rossmer. “As a surgical oncologist, my patients with skin cancer often ask what sunscreen is best to prevent further problems. I tell them the best sunscreen is the one they’re using. The one they’re consistently applying to their skin. The one they’ve made part of their skincare routine — every single day.”