Sunscreens and Sun Protection: Frequently Asked Questions

(updated by Dr. Katz on 6/6/16)

This guide has the following six sections:
Why should I use sunscreen? (Page 1)
What should I look for on the label? (Page 1)
How should I apply sunscreen? (Page 3)
Which specific sunscreens should I buy? (Page 4)
How else can I protect my skin? (Page 5)
Where can I get more information? (Page 6)
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Why should I use sunscreen?

Two main reasons: to prevent skin cancer and to prevent skin aging, including wrinkles.
Some people also need sunscreen if their skin is abnormally sensitive to the sun.
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What should I look for on the label?

SPF. SPF refers to the sunscreens ability to protect you from ultraviolet B (UVB) light,
which is one part of sunlight that can damage the skin. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF
of at least 30. SPFs higher than 50 provide only marginal additional benefit. A few words
of caution on SPF:
1. Reapply regardless. Sunscreens with higher SPFs still need to be reapplied.
2. Take the SPF with a grain of salt (or sand!). Testing by Consumer Reports has
shown that sunscreens do not always live up to their advertised SPF. So beware,
especially when using a sunscreen for the first time.
3. Use lots. Getting the benefit of the advertised SPF requires applying sufficient
sunscreen -- about two tablespoons' worth, to cover the face and body an
average-sized adult.
Broad-spectrum. This refers to a sunscreens ability to protect you from ultraviolet A
(UVA) light, which is another part of sunlight that can damage the skin. Look for a
sunscreen thats labeled broad-spectrum.
Non-comedogenic. This term means that a sunscreen might be less likely to cause acne.
Look for a sunscreen thats labeled non-comedogenic if you are prone to acne.
Water-resistant. This term means that a sunscreen resists being washed away by water.
The label should say whether a sunscreen is water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes. (Note:
No sunscreen is waterproof, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012
prohibited manufactures from claiming sunscreens are "waterproof" or "sweatproof.")
Look for water-resistant sunscreen if you will be swimming, sweating, or otherwise
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exposed to a lot of water (for example, at a water park or amusement park). Reapply
frequently, even if using a waterproof sunscreen.
"Sunblock" vs. sunscreen. In 2012 the FDA prohibited sunscreen manufacturers from
labeling their products as "sunblock," so you no longer see "sunblock" being sold in the
United States. That regulation stemmed from concerns that the "sunblock" label made
consumers think that the product being sold would completely protect them from the
sun's rays, which no products can do. At the same time, as noted above, the FDA ruled
that manufactured could no longer their products are "waterproof" or "sweatproof."
Creams, lotions, sprays. With cream or lotion sunscreens, its straightforward to tell
how much sunscreen is actually getting onto the skin. With sprays, its more difficult to
tell, since a lot of it ends up going into the atmosphere -- especially if it's windy. Also
concerning with sprays: the fumes can be inhaled, which might not be good for the
lungs, especially in children. And, if sprayed on the face, it can irritate the eyes. (A better
approach for using sprays on the face: spray it on your hand, and then apply to the skin
on the face.) Finally, potential flammability of sprays, especially if used near an open
flame (such as at a barbeque) is another concern.
Sunscreens "for kids"? There's no real difference between "children's" sunscreens and
other sunscreens -- except marketing. Some might be "tear-free" or "sting-free," but
most aren't. I don't recommend specifically buying "children's" sunscreen for kids.
"Facial" sunscreens. There are no standards for "facial" sunscreens, but some of the
products are formulated without oil (good for acne-prone people) and fragrances (good
for people whose skin is irritated by fragrances). The active ingredients are typically the
same as in sunscreens not specifically formulated for the face.
Endorsements. I'm skeptical of sunscreens endorsed by organizations (for example, the
Skin Cancer Foundation), because typically the sunscreen manufacturer has made a
financial contribution to the endorsing organization.
Price. More expensive isnt (at all!) necessarily better. Price does matter -- but maybe
not the way you'd expect. In my experience, the more expensive a sunscreen is, the
more likely it is to be applied (too) sparingly, whether consciously or not. That's good for
your wallet -- but not for your skin. Choose a sunscreen that you can afford to apply
(and reapply) in appropriate quantities.
Ingredients and "toxicity." Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are effective physical (not
chemical) blockers -- though not perhaps effective enough (see below -- is "natural"
best?). Some sunscreens containing zinc or titanium might leave a milky white film on
the skin, generally these sunscreens are less likely to do so. There are theoretical safety
concerns with a number of sunscreen ingredients (including zinc and titanium, which
can contain nanoparticles; also oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate), but these concerns
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are outweighed by the benefits of sunscreens in terms of reducing skin cancer risk, and I
would (and do!) use sunscreens containing all of these ingredients myself. However,
pregnant women might want to avoid products with retinyl palmitate. Additionally,
oxybenzone can be irritating to some people's skin, so try a sunscreen without that
ingredient if sunscreen irritation is a concern.
"Natural" sunscreens. Natural is not necessarily better, according to Consumer Reports
(July 2016). First, there are no standards for the term "natural." Second, "natural" is
sometimes used to refer to mineral sunscreens, which contain only titanium dioxide
and/or zinc oxide. But none of the sunscreens containing only minerals made Consumer
Reports' "recommended" list. That's likely because sunscreens containing only zinc
oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are particles, don't form a uniform film on the skin.
A uniform film is necessary for good protection.
Expiration dates. Check them. If the expiration date has passed, or if the sunscreen was
purchased more than three years ago, it might not work as well. Better to buy new
sunscreen. Same if a sunscreen has been exposed to high temperatures or has obvious
changes in the way it looks or feels.
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How should I apply sunscreen?

How much should I apply? Apply more than you might think you need. An amount that
would fill a shot glass is needed to cover the body of an adult. Most people apply only a
quarter to a half of the amount needed.
When should I apply it? Ideally, sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 15 minutes
before going outdoors. But if you forget to put it on before heading outdoors, it's still
worth applying anyway once you are in the sun.
How often should I reapply? Reapply frequently every two hours is recommended
or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
What about my lips? Apply a lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen to protect your lips,
since skin cancer can develop on the lips too.
Will sunscreen stain my clothes? Unfortunately, many sunscreens can stain fabrics. The
best way to decrease the risk of sunscreen staining clothes is to allow the sunscreen to
dry on the skin before getting dressed.
Which areas do people most commonly forget when applying sunscreen? The ears, the
inside (as well as the outside) of the arms, and the tops of the feet. Don't forget those
commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen.
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Which specific sunscreens should I buy?

Consumer Reports (July 2016) says it best: "The best sunscreen is the one you're most
likely to use." In other words: go with what works for you.
I have been pleased with some relatively inexpensive Walgreens and Target ("Up and
Up") brand sunscreens. I don't use sprays myself, for reasons discussed above. Other
recommendations are as follows:
Consumer Reports Recommendations (July 2016):
LOTIONS
Best Buys
Pure Sun Defense SPF 50 Disney Frozen
Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50
Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 (Walmart)
No-Ad Sport SPF 50
Ocean Potion Protect & Nourish SPF 30
Other Recommended
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 30
SPRAYS
Best Buys
Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+
Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 (Walmart)
DG Body Sport SPF 30 (Dollar General)
Other Recommended
Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70
Caribbean Breeze Continuous Tropical Mist SPF 70

STICK SUNSCREENS
Best Buy
Up & Up Kids Stick SPF 55 (Target)
Other Recommended
Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 55
FACIAL SUNSCREENS
Best Buy
None
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Other Recommended
Avon Sun+ Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40
Up & Up Ultra Sheer SPF 30 (Target)
Consumer Reports "CROWD PLEASERS"
A sunscreen that "does it all": No-Ad Sport SPF 50. Bonus: Relatively
inexpensive!
Unscented: Pure Sun Defense SPF 50 lotion or La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60
Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Lotion
Tropical/coconut scent: Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
Doesn't leave oily sheen on skin: La Roche-Posay Anhelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen
Milk lotion (but pricey!), or Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 30
Non-greasy: Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50
Environmental Working Group recommendations, including a guide to finding a
sunscreen that fits your needs: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/
What about sunscreen for sensitive skin? Try sunscreen by Vanicream (SPF 30, 35, or
50), which contains only titanium and zinc sunscreens and very few other additives likely
to irritate skin.
More info on Vanicream sunscreen:
http://www.psico.com/products/sunscreens.cfm.
Where to get it? Some Vanicream products are available at Walgreens, Target,
and CVS. To find stores or online retailers that carry it, go to
http://www.psico.com/main/store_locator.cfm.
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How else can I protect my skin?

I've never used sunscreen or tried to protect my skin. Is it too late to start? No! It's not
too late to start protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer and skin
aging.
Remember: its about your skin, not about the sunscreen. If youre using sunscreen
appropriately and still getting a deep tan or a sunburn, then use other measures like
protective clothing or avoiding the sun during mid-day to reduce your exposure.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and
sunglasses, where possible. (What's a wide-brimmed hat? Get one with a brim of at
least 3 inches.) You can purchase sun protective hats, swimwear, and other clothing
from the following (and likely many other companies too!):
Sun Precautions (www.sunprecautions.com)
800-882-7860 (Hats,
clothing)
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Coolibar (www.Coolibar.com)
800-926-6509 (Hats,
clothing)
Radicool Australia (www.radicoolaustralia.com)
877-266-7297 (Swim wear)
Sunday Afternoons (www.sundayafternoons.com) 888-874-2642 (Hats)

Seek shade when appropriate, especially when the suns rays are strongest between
10 am and 2 pm. (Rule of thumb: if you shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade!)
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the suns rays, increasing
your chance of exposure.
Avoid tanning beds, which can increase your risk of skin cancer and skin aging. If you
want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen
with it.
If you see something, say something. If you notice anything changing, growing, or
bleeding on your skin, let your doctor know. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught
early.
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Where can I get more information?

Ask your doctor if you have specific questions, or check the following references for
more information:
Consumer Reports: Your Burning Questions, Answered, July 2016, Page 20-29.
Vox: "Does sunscreen really protect my skin? Your paranoid sunscreen questions,
answered." http://www.vox.com/2016/6/3/11831114/sunscreen-questions-faq. June 3,
2016.
FDA. FDA Sheds Light on Sunscreens.
Http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258416.htm. Updated May
17, 2012.
Environmental Working Group: Sunscreen Guide: http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/.
American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs: http://www.aad.org/mediaresources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens#.UajH9tKsg6Z
New York Times Well Blog: The New Rules for Sunscreen (5/27/13):
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/the-new-rules-for-sunscreen/

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