What is the Best Sunscreen?

The one you will use!

It is best if it has the following:

1. Broad-spectrum: UVA and UVB protection
2. Water-resistant
3. SPF 30 or greater

What does SPF mean?

Sun Protective Factor (SPF). An SPF of 30 means it will take you 30 times longer to develop a sunburn than if you did not use sunscreen.

There are 2 types of sunscreen

1. Physical Sunscreen
   1. Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
   2. This sunscreen creates a protective barrier between your skin and the sun
2. Chemical Sunscreen
   1. Active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate
   2. These chemicals absorb the sun’s harmful UV rays

The “chemical” sunscreens are “UV organic filters” and the “Physical” sunscreens are inorganic mineral compounds.

Why is it important to have broad-spectrum sunscreen?

• UVB causes sunburns
• UVA causes premature aging
• Both contribute to skin cancer

Sunscreen Tips:

• The best sunscreen is the one you will use!
• Sunscreen can prevent premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots
• SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays
• Creams and lotions are good choices for the face
• Gels and sprays are good for hairy areas such as the scalp
• You should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
• Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your lips, tops of your ears, and to your scalp
• On overcast cloudy days 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches your skin.