Sunblock and Sunscreen Sun Protection Factor (SPF) | Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Parsol 1789, Helioplex, Anthelios

Sunscreens and Sunblocks

Although sunscreens aren't meant to be your only line of defense, the American Cancer Society says these sun protection products are still helpful. They are also plentiful, as a trip to the drugstore can indicate. One thing all sunscreens have in common is that they are rated by their SPF (sun protective factor). This number theoretically indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun while using the product. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for an SPF of at least 15.

It's important to understand the labeling information on sun protection products and shop carefully before heading to the beach, tennis court or park. Otherwise you risk the dangers of a sunburn.

Most people benefit from sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) numbers of 15 or more. The SPF number gives you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply a liberal dose with a SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes. Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may work better for people who are fair-skinned, live at high altitudes, work or play outdoors much of the day, or perspire heavily. Swimming and perspiration reduce the actual SPF value of many sunscreens - even those that are water-resistant - so you have to reapply the product often. And don't be stingy when applying sunscreen. Glop it on and rub it in. You can't apply too much. Sun protection is essential to the health of your skin.

Although sunscreens with identical SPF numbers give you equivalent sunburn protection from UVB rays, no sunscreen product screens out all UVA rays. Some may advertise UVA protection, but there is no system to rate UVA protection yet. Many products do not provide any UVA protection at all. This is why you should also consider UV clothing for sun protection. Sunscreen clothing basically has the sunscreen built into the fabric.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Sunscreens are rated by their SPF (sun protective factor). The SPF number gives you an idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply a liberal dose of sunscreen with a SPF number of 15, you should be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes. Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may be best if you are:

• fair-skinned
• live at high altitudes
• work or play outdoors for longer periods of time
• perspire heavily

Use sunscreen generously, and remember to reapply if when you swim or if you perspire a lot.

Many sunscreens have different ingredients or different combinations of the same ingredients, including:

• oxybenzone
• avobenzone
• Parsol 1789
• cinnamates
• salicylates

There are also physical blockers. Sunblocks include:

• zinc oxide
• titanium dioxide

Many sunscreens - even those with the same SPF numbers - have different ingredients or different combinations of the same ingredients.

Some ingredients (such as oxybenzone and avobenzone or Parsol 1789) screen out UVA rays; some (such as cinnamates and salicylates) screen out UVB rays, some screen out portions of both. There are also physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

There are newer products that are designed to protect from both UVA and UVB rays. Helioplex combines two sunscreens, avobenzone and oxybenzone, that have long been recognized by the FDA as safe and effective. Avobenzone is considered one of the best UVA absorbers, while oxybenzone is a very good UVB absorber with some UVA absorbency. Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. It uses avobenzone and octocrylene as well, and adds a molecular entity called ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States until recently, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada for over 10 years as Mexoryl SX.

Your doctor can advise you on which ingredients are most suited to your type of skin, especially if you might be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients such as PABA.

Because some people experience allergic reactions to various sunscreen ingredients, it's a good idea to test a product first by applying a small amount to a limited area of your skin.

When applying sunscreen, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a sunscreen works most effectively when:

• Applied about a half-hour before heading outside
• Applied liberally on all exposed skin (Many dermatologists suggest at least a teaspoon of sunscreen just for the face.)
• Reapplied at least every two hours or more often if you're sweating
• Reapplied after swimming

As with any over-the-counter or other type of medication, always check the label to make sure that the product isn't past its expiration date. According to the American Sun Protection Association, sunscreens have a shelf life of about 2 years, after which the chemicals can separate from the solution, giving the product a gritty feel. FDA says you should also avoid storing sunscreen products in direct sunlight, as high temperatures can affect these kinds of products.

Even some moisturizers and self tanning lotions can contain sunscreen.

For children, talk to your pediatrician about the best ingredients to use in sunscreens. You should also consider sun protective clothing and hats for protection from the sun that doesn't involve applying lotions to your skin or that of your children.

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Updated June 2011

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