Finding the best suncreen

Finding the best suncreen


Sunscreen these days is so darned important and the sun’s rays so dangerous, experts want you wearing protection, every day, including on cloudy days.

The FDA offers a number of tips to help you avoid sunburn-rookie mistakes.

First, we’ve all read or heard to look for a broad spectrum sunscreen. What does that even mean? Broad spectrum sunscreens help shield us from both UVA and UVB rays, two types of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

And you need a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to ensure you’re being protected from the sun’s risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. If you’re fair or burn easily, choose something with an SPF between 30 and 50.

Speaking of the pigment-challenged among us, you already know you’re at risk of sunburn, and hence, skin cancer. But if you have brown or black skin, or just tan easily, you’re not off the hook. You need sunscreen and to limit time spent in the sun, too.

Third: Waterproof sunscreen does not exist, and neither does sweatproof sunscreen. No matter what its label claims, your sunscreen eventually comes off. You must reapply it at least every two hours — more frequently if you’re in and out of the water or sweating.

And finally, dabbing your baby’s cheeks and limbs with sunscreen isn’t necessarily enough to protect them. Sunscreen isn’t even recommended for babies under six months of age. And all babies should be kept out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. If they must be in the sun during that time, keep them in clothes that cover their arms and legs and convince them to wear a hat.

Related Episodes