Important: Never use sunscreens of any kind on babies not yet 6 months old. Test sunscreens for allergic reactions in children by applying the sunscreen to a patch of skin. Baby oil does NOT contain sunscreen.
Sunscreens are either "organic" or "inorganic" (inorganic sunscreens are also called "physical" sunscreens). "Organic" does NOT mean the sunscreens are naturally produced. Rather, an "organic" sunscreen is one which is composed of carbon and hydrogen (among other things).
Organic sunscreens are absorbed into the skin to some extent. PABA (para amino benzoic acid) is the most famous sunscreen because of the allergic reaction it causes in so many people. Many people are also allergic to the common organic sunscreen Benzophenone (Oxybenzone).
Most organic sunscreens block only UVB rays. For UVB protection, SPF 15 is adequate for most skin types since an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 95% of UVB rays while an SPF 30 sunscreen stops only about 2% more (97%).
Inorganic or physical suncreens are really microscopic solid pieces of sunscreen - the most common being zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most physical sunscreens are now microfine and with particles so small they cannot be seen (unlike the thick white paste of past lifeguard movie fame). Zinc oxide is generally considered very safe and causes very few allergic reactions.
Titanium dioxide blocks some UVA and zinc oxide blocks more UVR than any other single ingredient. No sunscreen will completely block UVA rays.
Tips on Choosing a Sunscreen:
- Don't rely simply on statements of "protection" against UVA since some researchers believe many of these sunscreens only offer an SPF of 3 or 4 for UVA rays, even if the SPF is much higher for UVB rays. Instead, look for a sunscreen labeled "broad spectrum" that contains zinc oxide and has a minimum SPF rating of 15.
- Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow it time to "set up" on the skin. Reapply every two hours when swimming or sweating.
- Use at least 1 full ounce of sunscreen per adult per application (SPF ratings are based on this amount). Using a smaller amount of SPF 30 does NOT equal a greater amount of SPF 15!
- SPF Sunscreen Recommendations based on skin type:
- Type 1 (always burns, never tans): 30 SPF
- Type 2 (usually burns, tans with difficulty): 20 SPF
- Type 3 (sometimes burns, sometimes tans): 15-20 SPF
- Type 4 (burns minimally, always tans): 15 SPF
- Type 5 (rarely burns, tans profusely): 15 SPF
- Type 6 (never burns, deeply tans): 15 SPF
- Other sunscreen tips:
- Pay special attention when applying sunscreen to your ears, nose, shoulders and tops of feet.
- When snorkeling, pay particular attention to the back of the calves and thighs.
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