From the Guidelines
The most important aspects of sunscreen are using a broad-spectrum product with SPF 15 or greater, as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 1, and applying it generously to all exposed skin. When choosing a sunscreen, consider the following key points:
- Broad-spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B rays
- SPF of 15 or greater, as determined to be effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 1
- Water-resistant formula if swimming or sweating heavily
- Application to all exposed skin, including commonly missed areas like ears, back of neck, tops of feet, and scalp
- Regular reapplication every two hours or after swimming or sweating It's also important to note that sunscreen should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun, but rather as part of a comprehensive sun protection plan that includes wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak insolation 1. Regular use of sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, premature aging, and reduce skin cancer risk, making it a crucial part of daily skin care, even on cloudy days when up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses helps prevent sunburn if used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun ■ helps prevent sunburn ■ If used as directed with other sun protection measures ( see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun • helps prevent sunburn • if used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun
The most important parts about sunscreen are:
- Preventing sunburn: sunscreens help prevent sunburn if used as directed.
- Decreasing the risk of skin cancer: sunscreens decrease the risk of skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
- Decreasing the risk of early skin aging: sunscreens decrease the risk of early skin aging caused by the sun if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
- Using as directed with other sun protection measures: it is essential to use sunscreen as directed and in combination with other sun protection measures to achieve these benefits 2, 3, 4.
From the Research
Importance of Sunscreen
- Sunscreens have been developed to mitigate the Sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a recognized prime carcinogen 5
- The primary purpose of sunscreens is to protect against sunburns, skin photo-ageing, and skin cancers 5
Key Components of Sunscreen
- Physical UV filters such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation 5, 6, 7
- Chemical UV filters such as avobenzone (AVO) and octinoxate (OMC) are also used, but may be less stable and require additional stabilizing agents 5, 6
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UVA protection factor (UVA-PF) are important measures of a sunscreen's effectiveness 5, 6
Safety and Environmental Concerns
- There is ongoing debate about the safety of certain sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to have toxic effects on plants and potentially on human health 8
- Inorganic UV filters such as ZnO and TiO2 are considered safe alternatives, with low human health risks and minimal environmental impact 7
- However, there is still a need for further research on the potential risks and benefits of different sunscreen ingredients 5, 7, 8
Effective Sunscreen Use
- Sunscreens should be used in combination with other forms of photoprotection, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using hats and glasses 7
- The choice of sunscreen ingredients and formulation can affect the product's stability and effectiveness, and consumers should be aware of these factors when selecting a sunscreen 5, 6