Ask The County Agent: How do I know which sunscreen is right and how much to use?
By OLIVIA HANDLEY, Coweta County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
QUESTION: How do I know which sunscreen is right for me and how much to use?
AGENT: The summer months can be brutal with unrelenting heat and humidity here in Georgia, and we all need to be aware of our sun exposure and the damage it can cause to our skin. Everyone is familiar with what a bad sunburn can feel and look like. Over time, frequent sun exposure can pose a potentially dangerous risk as it can increase our risk of skin cancers. Wearing the proper sunscreen and the proper amount are critical in protecting our skin and limiting the dangers from over-exposure.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index is a way we can assess the intensity of the sun’s rays daily. The range is from 0 to 11+. The higher the UV number, the more intense the rays are and the higher the probability of sun damage. Remember, we are still absorbing the sun’s rays, even on cloudy days.
There are two kinds of UV rays:
• UVA: Cause skin aging and eye damage
• UVB: Causes sunburns, skin cancer, snow blindness (sunburn to cornea)
• Both: Can lower our body’s ability to fight illness
We need to be protected from the sun all year long, but especially during the summer months when the UV Index is at its highest. The best ways to stay protected are to seek shade when possible, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) number.
The higher the SPF number, the more protection it provides from the sun, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays. That is why shade and sun-protective clothing are so important. SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s UVB rays whereas SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.
Broad-spectrum provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant means the sunscreen will stay on wet skin and remain effective for about 40 minutes. Very water-resistant means it can be effective for up to 80 minutes before needing to reapply.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, after toweling off, when sweating, or being in the water. If using water-resistant sunscreen, then it should be reapplied every 40-80 minutes of water time. An average adult needs a minimum of one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover skin not covered by clothing –roughly the amount to fill a shot glass. Depending on body size, you may need more to be fully covered. Do not forget your feet and the tops of your ears! Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors and remember to reapply as directed.
If a sunscreen says “baby” or “sensitive skin” it will contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Sunscreen is not recommended to use on babies younger than six months of age. It is better to keep them shaded, fully clothed and out of the sun’s direct rays. Sunglasses are also an important part of your sun protection and should state they provide 100% UV protection.
Discard any sunscreen that has expired and remember to apply on cloudy days as well. Be sun smart this summer and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your skin’s comfort and health. Protect yourself and those around you – even on cloudy days!
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Sunscreen Protection Chart from EPA.
