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The ABC's of Sunscreen
By Mary Elise Chavez
Posted July 2006

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Put enough on. The recommended application for adequate protection is 35 to 40ml per person per session (a handful). So someone may think they are applying SPF15, say, but if they don't use the correct amount then it may only be equivalent to SPF8.
Apply correctly. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun which allows it time to absorb properly.
Take time out in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm when them sun is strongest, but still apply sun screen because sand, snow, concrete, water or any surface that will reflect, and therefore intensify the sun's rays. Remember, the sun’s rays are more intense the higher you get in elevation.
Reapply. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sun creams from the skin, so you should reapply after taking part in any of these activities, even if the product is waterproof.
Everyday use of sun lotions on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging and skin cancer.
Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
Use a "broad spectrum" sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Overcast weather still requires sunscreen in summer because 80 per cent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on cloudy days.
Children and babies need greater protection, so use specially formulated kids ranges with gentler ingredients and higher SPF's. In general, infants' skin is much thinner and more sensitive to the sun than adults' skin, even in individuals with darker complexions. The amount of sunscreen needed depends on how light the child’s complexion is. I would recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for very fair-skinned children. The AAP used to recommend not putting sunscreen on infants under six months of age. This is no longer the case, because the danger from sunburns outweighs the risk of sensitivity to sunscreens.
Don't be deceived by wearing white clothing as a way to avoid the sun, in fact, a white cotton t-shirt provides very little protection to the sun's rays.
Budget brands are just as effective as the more expensive brands.
When purchasing sunscreen, select a PABA-free brand with an SPF of at least 15, preferably greater.
Use sunscreen whenever you expect to be in the sun for thirty minutes or more, and re-apply after swimming.
Even waterproof sunscreens should be re-applied every 80 minutes or so, after being in the water.
Make sure effective use of clothing, hats, and other physical barriers to protect the skin from the sun.

Special Thanks to: Dr. Alan Greene MD FAAP (drgreene.com) and The Skin Cancer Foundation.

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