Some Common Sense About Sunscreen

Are you confused about all sunscreen products and ingredients? From waterproof sunscreen creams to SPF 50 information, Broad Spectrum Protection, Skin Cancer Foundation has been covered.

What is sunscreen creams?

Sunscreen creams is a product that combines several ingredients to help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Both types of UV radiation, UVA, and UVB, can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. So sunscreens vary in their ability to withstand UVA and UVB.

What are UVA and UVB?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the Earth from the sun. Its wavelength is shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. Besides, Ultraviolet A (UVA) is a long-wave ultraviolet light that can cause long-lasting skin damage, skin aging, and can cause skin cancer. Then, ultraviolet B (UVB) is a shorter wavelength ultraviolet light that can cause sunburn, skin damage, and can cause skin cancer.

What is SPF?

Sun protection factor – or sun protection factor – is a measure of sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here’s how it works: If your unprotected skin starts to turn red for 20 minutes, using SPF 15 sunscreen can theoretically prevent reddening 15 times – about 5 hours. Most sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher perform well against UVB.

What does Broad Spectrum mean?

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. Since December 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun implementing new regulations for “broad spectrum” products.