What type of spf

Sun protection products are sold because they protect against cancer and other health conditions. The sunscreen innovation act SIA governs how this must be done. Read on to find out what SPF and broad-spectrum mean, and get some tips on how to use sunscreen, how much to use, when to use it, and how other factors affect the need for protection.

It indicates how much protection a product offers against UVB light. A product with a higher SPF number will offer greater protection. All products sold in the U.

They must also show whether the sunscreen has passed a broad-spectrum test. According to the FDA, the use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above, combined with other measures, such as wearing sunglasses and avoiding the midday sun, can help prevent skin cancer. In some places, protection levels are expressed as follows :. Apart from an SPF number, in the U.

SPF is a scientific measure. It gives an idea of how much lower the risk of skin damage is due to the use of a sunscreen.

It focuses on the time it takes for UVB rays to get through a sunscreen and cause the skin to go red, compared with the time this takes when there is no sunscreen. The factor is calculated by dividing the sun radiation dose needed to cause skin reddening with the dose needed to cause reddening without sunscreen. This calculation is based on the application of 2 milligrams mg of sunscreen for each square centimeter cm of skin surface.

If it takes 15 times longer to burn the skin with a sunscreen on than it does with no sunscreen applied, the SPF is In theory, if, under certain UV conditions, it would take 10 minutes for unprotected skin to start going red, an SPF 30 sunscreen would prevent this for minutes, or 5 hours, which is 30 times longer.

Other factors have an impact. Most people, for example, only use 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. In addition, the blocking effect wears off after a maximum of 2 hours. After this, the lotion will need to be reapplied. The protection offered by sunscreens of different SPFs is as follows :. Zeichner says you should apply an ounce of sunscreen to the entirety of your exposed skin.

This is about the volume of a shot glass or the size of a golf ball, he explains. Reserve about a nickel-sized dollop for your entire face, and remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming, Zeichner advises.

If you only have a spray sunscreen and need to reapply on your face, Mudgil advises that you spray it directly on your hands and apply to the face with your fingers for a more even application. Below, top dermatologists share their favorite sunscreens to keep you protected this summer — and beyond. EltaMD earns raves from dermatologists, thanks to their cosmetically elegant formulas. This sunscreen is Virginia-based dermatologist Nikoleta Brankov's favorite for the face.

Niacinamide in the formula calms sensitive skin and prevents redness. So choosing the highest level of SPF possible gets you closer to adequate protection. Those with sensitive skin, listen up. Getting kids to put on sunscreen is not always the easiest of tasks. Gone are the days where you had to rock a white cast at the beach. The kind of sunscreen you use is a matter of personal choice, and may vary depending on the area of the body to be protected.

Available sunscreen options include lotions, creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks and sprays. Sprays are sometimes preferred by parents since they are easy to apply to children.

Make sure to use enough of these products to thoroughly cover all exposed skin. Do not inhale these products or apply near heat, open flame or while smoking.

Current FDA regulations on testing and standardization do not pertain to spray sunscreens. The agency continues to evaluate these products to ensure safety and effectiveness. Some sunscreen products are also available in combination with moisturizers and cosmetics.

While these products are convenient, they also need to be reapplied in order to achieve the best sun protection. Sunscreen also may be sold in combination with an insect repellant. The AAD recommends purchasing and using these products separately — sunscreen needs to be applied generously and often, whereas insect repellant should be used sparingly and much less frequently.

Regardless of which sunscreen you choose, be sure to apply it generously to achieve the UV protection indicated on the product label. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These formulations tend to be easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue. Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.

A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication. Sunscreens should be reapplied approximately every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the bottle.

The best way to protect infants from the sun is to keep them in the shade as much as possible, in addition to dressing them in long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Make sure they do not get overheated and that they drink plenty of fluids. If your baby is fussy, is crying excessively or has redness on any exposed skin, take him or her indoors.

When outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours, or as often as the label says. Sunscreens that use the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or special sunscreens made for infants or toddlers may cause less irritation to their sensitive skin.

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen every day when you are outside, not just during the summer. If you are using sunscreen every day and in the correct amount, a bottle should not last long.

If you find a bottle of sunscreen that you have not used for some time, here are some guidelines you can follow:. Some sunscreens include an expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, throw out the sunscreen. If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date you bought the sunscreen on the bottle.

You also can look for visible signs that the sunscreen may no longer be good. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough vitamin D, you should discuss your options for getting vitamin D with your doctor. This approach gives you the vitamin D you need without increasing your risk for skin cancer.

Sunscreen products are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U. The FDA has several safety and effectiveness regulations in place that govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products, including safety data on its ingredients.

Thanks to the FDA, sunscreen labels provide you with important information about what type of UV protection a sunscreen offers and what a sunscreen can do. Has an SPF of 30 or higher. Is Water Resistant effective for up to 40 minutes in water or Very Water Resistant effective for up to 80 minutes in water.

This means the sunscreen provides protection while swimming or sweating up to the time listed on the label. Sunscreen manufacturers are banned from claiming that a sunscreen is "waterproof" or "sweat proof," as the FDA has determined that those terms are misleading. Even when using a water-resistant sunscreen, you should reapply after getting out of the water or sweating.

Using sunscreen, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing are all important behaviors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Food and Drug Administration. Claims that sunscreen ingredients are toxic or a hazard to human health have not been proven. If you are concerned about certain sunscreen ingredients, you can select a formula that contains different active ingredients.

As long as your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF 30 or higher, it can effectively protect you from the sun.

Q: I recently heard that suggests the FDA is saying many sunscreen ingredients are unsafe. Is this true? View Profile. Author Lisa M. What do SPF numbers mean? Does a higher SPF mean a sunscreen is more effective? When possible, go with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. However, you can still find man-made UVC rays in some tanning beds, welding torches, and welding lamps.

TAGS: Dermatology. About this author. Dermatology Lisa M. P: View Profile Request Appointment. Specialty or Doctor Name. Zip Code or City. Recommended Articles. Retinol, a type of vitamin A, is a powerful way to smooth fine lines, treat acne and psoriasis, and even out your skin tone. Esperanza explains how.