Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools for protecting your skin from both cancer and aging, yet many people experience “sunxiety” – a worry about spending time in the sun, choosing the right sunscreen, or using sunscreen correctly.

Understanding the types of ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential for protecting your skin.

Taking steps to shield your skin from UV exposure will help you maintain your skin’s health and prevent potential long-term skin damage.

The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays

UV rays are part of the light spectrum that reaches the Earth from the sun, and they can penetrate the skin, causing damage over time. Extended exposure to these rays can lead to sunburn, cosmetic skin damage, accelerated aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

UVA: These penetrate deeply into the skin, causing wrinkles, thinning, and discoloration.
UVB: These are the main cause of redness and sunburn.
UVC: These are highly damaging, but are blocked by the ozone layer and do not reach us.

Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Although the sun is the primary source of UV rays, manufactured mechanisms like tanning beds and UV drying devices also emit UV radiation.

How Sunscreen Works

Sunscreen protects your skin from aging, damage, and skin cancers. Using sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is the best strategy for preventing significant sun damage and even life-threatening medical complications.

Skin damage comes from excessive exposure to UV radiation. Each year, more than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. UV radiation also causes accelerated skin aging, sunburn, non-cancerous lesions, damage to vision, and a compromised immune response.

Sunscreen either absorbs UV rays or reflects them away from your skin. There are two types:

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide physically block UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone absorb UV rays.

Both types prevent skin cancer, but mineral sunscreens are often better for sensitive skin.

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays burn your skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen keeps you safe from both.

What Does SPF Mean?

The sun protection factor (SPF) was first introduced by chemist Franz Greiter in 1946 with the creation of “Glacier Cream,” the first commercial product designed to protect against sunburn.

SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers. However, no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.

SPF 30 vs 50: Is SPF 30 Enough?

Sunscreens with SPF 30 block 97% of UVB rays, but it’s important to remember that any product that isn’t designated “broad-spectrum” will not protect against UVA rays.

If you have fair skin, spend a lot of time outdoors, or if you are taking medications that increase your sun sensitivity, you might want a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Remember, higher SPF does not mean you can skip reapplication.

How to Choose Sunscreen

When choosing sunscreen, decide between mineral and chemical types. Both protect against sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.

If you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you’ll be active outdoors, and always pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen for UVA and UVB protection.

How Often to Apply Sunscreen

Remember these simple guidelines for applying sunscreen:

Apply sunscreen every two hours.
If you’re swimming or sweating, reapply whenever you towel yourself off.
Sunscreen wears off, so consistent reapplication is key to staying protected.

How Much Sunscreen to Apply

Use about an ounce of sunscreen for your whole body – roughly the volume of a standard shot glass.
Don’t skimp. Using too little reduces its effectiveness.

Make sunscreen a daily habit – even on cloudy days. It is a simple yet powerful way to care for your skin. It helps keep your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful while shielding you from painful burns and more serious harm.

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