Different sunscreen ingredients have different ways of protecting your skin. A sunscreen may be categorized as a physical or chemical protectant depending on how it interacts with UV rays. A physical sunscreen sits on the top layer of your skin instead of being absorbed.
The ingredients reflect rays from the sun. Physical sunscreen is gentle on the skin, but is easily shed when sweating and may leave a white sheen when applied. Ingredients usually include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. A chemical sunscreen absorbs into your skin.
It works by absorbing UV rays and then releasing them as heat. People with sensitive skin may find that chemical sunscreen can sting or cause irritation. Ingredients usually include octinoxate or avobenzone. Both types are suitable for decreasing your risk of sun damage as long as you choose a product that has at least 30 SPF and is labeled broad-spectrum.
Even though wearing a 30 SPF sunscreen is important, sunscreen alone is not enough to prevent skin damage. You should still protect yourself in other ways when possible. Other ways you can reduce your risk include:. Staying protected from the sun is incredibly important. Even if it seems to be an inconvenience or hassle, applying sunscreen is critical in keeping your skin healthy and preventing cancer. An SPF of 50, then, would provide 50 times more protection than skin without sunscreen.
You should avoid using sunscreen on babies under 6 months old. Sunscreen can be potentially harmful in young babies because they may be at greater risk of side effects from the chemicals in sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen for your baby, choose one of at least SPF Most baby sunscreens are SPF Sunscreen lasts an average of two hours.
That means you should plan to reapply every two hours. For low exposure to the sun, a moisturizer or makeup with a base of SPF 15 built in is sufficient. There are many different types of sunscreen you can choose. Read more about what to consider when choosing a sunscreen. This type of sunscreen is very popular, especially among parents of wiggling and running children. Ingredients commonly used in the U.
Ingredients not frequently used in the U. Q: Should I stop using sunscreens that contain any of the 12 ingredients that the FDA wants more safety data on? A: While the FDA is asking for more data, it does not say that the ingredients are unsafe.
It does not ask the public to stop using sunscreens that contain any of these ingredients. A recent study by the FDA looked at four sunscreen ingredients and concluded that absorption of these ingredients into the body supported the need for additional safety data. Importantly, the study authors stated that individuals should continue to use sunscreen. When the FDA issues a proposed rule, it asks industry and other interested parties to submit comments, additional data, or both within 90 days.
For this current proposed rule on sunscreen, the deadline for submitting data and comments is May 28, A: Once the finalized monograph is put into effect, any sunscreen that contains active ingredients that are not in the monograph must go through a New Drug Application NDA process. The sunscreen cannot be sold in the United States until it goes through this process and gets FDA approval. The FDA continues to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of spray sunscreens.
The challenge in using sprays is that it is difficult to know if you have used enough sunscreen to cover all sun-exposed areas of the body, which may result in inadequate coverage. When using spray sunscreen, make sure to spray an adequate amount and rub it in to ensure even coverage. To avoid inhaling spray sunscreen, never spray it around or near the face or mouth. Spraying the sunscreen into your hands and then applying it can help you avoid inhalation while also ensuring adequate coverage.
When applying spray sunscreens on children, be aware of the direction of the wind to avoid inhalation. In addition to stopping further UV exposure, dermatologists recommend treating a sunburn with:.
Moisturizer to help ease the discomfort caused by dryness. As soon as you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then apply a moisturizer to trap the water in your skin. Drinking extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water prevents dehydration. Allow the blisters to heal untouched. Blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection. If the blisters cover a large area, such as the entire back, or you have chills, a headache or a fever, seek immediate medical care.
With any sunburn, you should avoid the sun while your skin heals. Be sure to cover the sunburn every time you head outdoors. Video: How to treat sunburn. How to apply sunscreen. Is sunscreen safe? How to select a sunscreen. Say Yes to Sun Protection. How to decode sunscreen lingo. Is your sunscreen really protecting you.
References 1 Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. Annals of Internal Medicine. Atmospheric sun protection factor on clear days: its observed dependence on solar zenith angle and its relevance to the shadow rule for sun protection.
Photochem Photobiol ; Position Statement on Vitamin D. The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review. International Journal of Cancer : March 1;— World Health Organization. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Adult health. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.
Sign up now. Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options The best sunscreen is one that you'll use generously and according to label directions. By Mayo Clinic Staff. You're heading to the pool or beach, and you stop to pick up some sunscreen.
So how do sunscreen brands calculate an SPF? You're heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun with your family. But most people don't know that skin covered by clothing can still get sunburned. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn. Tips to stay safe in the sun: From sunscreen to sunglasses. Food and Drug Administration.
Accessed March 14,
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