AuBurn Pharmacy

Know your Sunscreen

The sun releases harmful rays and they can not only ruin your day but they could also cause more serious issues like cancer. Sunscreen can protect your skin from the rays but knowing which sunscreen is right for you can be very confusing. Here are some helpful hints on how to get the right sunscreen.

Step 1. Don’t choose between UVA and UVB

·         You need protection from both rays.

·         UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer. Not protecting your skin from this can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling, and suppression of the immune system.

·         UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer.

Step 2. Choose your number

·         Get a sunscreen that’s SPF 30+ for safety

§  SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays

§  SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays

§  SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays

·         Nothing will block 100%

Step 3. Choose your product

·         Do you want oil, spray, lotion, etc?

§  Creams the face and oils are best for dry skin

§  Gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or chest and legs.

§  Sticks are good to use around the eyes and face.

§  Sprays are sometimes preferred because they are easy to apply. Make sure to use enough of these products to cover all exposed skin. DO NOT inhale these products or apply near heat, open flame or while smoking.

§  There also are sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as for sensitive skin and babies

·         Choose what makes you most comfortable since you will be wearing it.

Step 4. What are you doing?

·         Wear it every day no matter if its cloudy or not

§  Clouds only block 20% of rays

·         Are you going to be in water?

§  Water Resistant (effective for up to 40 minutes in water)

§  Very Water Resistant (effective for up to 80 minutes in water)

§  Reapply after you get out of water and every 2 hours

Step 5. Do you want natural or chemical?

·         Chemical-based sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays with chemicals. A chemical reaction turns the harmful rays into heat, which is then dissipated from skin into the air.

·        Natural, or mineral-based, sunscreens reflect the sun’s rays, like a mirror on. Natural sunscreens protect skin the same as conventional sunscreens

Step 6. When to put it on?

·         Apply sunscreen before going out in the sun so it can fully absorb into the        skin

§  If you are using a chemical sunscreen, it's best to wait around 20 minutes after applying before going outside so it has time to soak into your skin.

·         You don't have to wait for all sunscreens.               

§  Sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide actives are effective as soon as you put it on.

§  It’s generally a good idea to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go outside.

·        Grown Adults usually need about one ounce of sunscreen per application

Step 7. Don’t Forget!

·         Nose, Toes, Lips and Ear Tips

§  Don’t forget to apply the sunscreen to every piece of exposed skin

·         Sunglasses

§  Sunglass will help protect your eyes from harmful sun rays

·         Don’t forget to check the expiration date

§  Sunscreen will only last up till 3 years

§  If it’s changed colors or changed textures don’t use it