Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an over-the-counter pharmaceutical product designed to protect skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here are some of the most common questions about sunscreens:

What is Broad Spectrum?

Broad spectrum protects skin against both UVB and UVA. UVA is now considered as dangerous as UVB. Overexposure to UVB is immediately apparent in the form of sunburn (remember “B” for burning), while the problems from overexposure to UVA are revealed longer-term (remember “A” for aging).

What are Sun Screens made with?

There are currently 17 active ingredients allowed for use in sunscreens, or sunblocks, in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These ingredients fall into two broad categories - absorbers (which create a chemical reaction to absorb UVR) and reflectors or diffusers (which are physical barriers that block or reflect UV rays away from the skin). Most sunscreens contain a mixture of absorbers and/or reflectors and are available in creams, mousses, lotions and moisturizers. Hypoallergenic and waterproof products are also available.

Which Sun Screen is Best?

The best sunscreen has to meet 3 criteria.

It should be rated SPF 30+. This is the minimum level of protection recommended by most American dermatologists.
It should provide broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum sunscreen blocks UVA as well as UVB. Look for sunscreen with 6% or more zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, or 3% or more avobenzone/Parsol 1789, or ecamsule/Mexoryl.
It should be easy to apply and feel good on your skin. This is a very subjective factor but is crucial because it determines your actual use of a particular sunscreen – whether you put on the right thickness, reapply it every 2 hours, and so on. A sunscreen that fails this criterion is not a good sunscreen.

Which Sunscreen Do Doctors Recommend?

According to a 2007 survey by Coolibar, Inc., the brands of sunscreen most recommended by American dermatologists are:

Neutrogena
Coppertone
Anthelios
Blue Lizard
SolBar