No one can argue that San Diego is one of the best places to live with its welcoming and warm, year-round climate; averaging almost HALF of the year with sun-filled days. That’s right, almost 182 gorgeous days of vitamin D! However, no one can argue either that spending even one day with a sunburn is no fun! With all that literal sunshine in our lives, it’s important to know the real truths about sunscreen so we don’t miss out on any opportunities to enjoy that beautiful weather!
Here are some handy facts you should know before you and your family venture out to spend the day at the beach, park or any of the sunlit spots our city has to offer!
1. UVA vs. UVB – what’s the difference? UVA rays are the ones that will cause wrinkles on your skin. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 90% of skin changes associated with aging are really caused by a lifetime’s exposure to UVA rays. Wow! UVB rays are the ones that will cause sunburn (and also known to cause cancer). FDA regulations require that sunscreen can only be called “broad-spectrum” or “multi-spectrum” if it protects against both types of UV rays. So be sure to check those labels before applying if you want to avoid any sun damage!
2. Don’t let high SPF fool you. We've been told that if SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases. However, the truth is there is little increase in protection the higher you go with SPF. According to this report from the Environmental Working Group, anything above SPF 50 provides little increase in the benefits of sun protection. Example, if you apply SPF 50 properly, sunscreen will block about 98% of UVB rays. If you apply SPF 100, you might block about 99% of UVB.
3. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours. It’s true, time flies when you’re having fun, but it’s also true that in order for sunscreen to be effective, timing is essential when you re-apply sunscreen. Consumer Reports conducted a survey of 661 sunscreen users and their research found that sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours versus the average 3.36 hours people actually reapplied. Almost twice the recommended amount of time! So what’s an easy way to remember when you’re busy having fun? Set a timer on your phone!
4. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age. It’s a fairly well-known fact, but for those of you with brand new babes, it’s always a good reminder to know the active ingredients in sunscreen are not safe for those little bodies in their early stages of development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends if your baby is under 6 months of age, they should be kept out of the sun altogether, but if you can’t get your itty bitty ones away from the sun, be sure to grab a hat and some lightweight clothing that offers full-coverage.
5. Water-resistant sunscreen is best if you’re exposed to any water. Planning to work up a sweat or take a dip in the water? It’s really worth getting a sunscreen that is water-resistant. According to the FDA, it explains that, with water resistant sunscreen, the SPF level will stay effective after only 40 minutes of exposure in the water. If the label claims it is very water resistant then it means it can hold up after 80 minutes of swim time. No sunscreen is completely water-proof so it’s important to note that sunscreen should be applied often (approximately every hour) if you’re spending lots of time in the pool or ocean.
6. Less ingredients is best if you have skin problems or allergies. In general, you should opt for the sunscreen with simple ingredients versus a product that has many ingredients on the label. Natural ingredients are ideal for skins that are extra sensitive so try to avoid sunscreens that include fragrances, preservatives or alcohol. Opt for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide instead of the –zone ingredients (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, diozybenzone, etc) or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). If it’s too complicated to pronounce, it’s likely it’s too complicated for your skin, too!
Now that you know some helpful facts about sunscreen, you should be able to identify what’s best when it comes to using sunscreen. Here is a list of sunscreens Consumer Reports has compiled for your guidance in choosing what is best for you and your family. Safe and happy sunning!
