You have heard over and over how important it is to wear sunscreen, but how often do you actually wear it? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, year-round to protect yourself from incidental sun exposure. If you choose not to wear sunscreen because you think it’s too greasy, it clogs your pores, it’s too expensive or it stings your eyes when you sweat, there’s good news: More and more options are becoming available to make sunscreen use easier and more convenient.

The Importance of Sunscreen

It cannot be stressed enough how important sunscreen is. The purpose of using sunscreen is to protect the skin from repeated or prolonged UVA and UVB radiation from the sun – lessening the risk of skin damage or skin cancer. Although the American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher year-round, it is especially important to wear it when you will be exposed to sunlight for more than 20 minutes – no matter if the sun is shining or it’s cloudy.

All sun-protection products with an SPF 2 or higher are considered sunscreens. According to Patricia Agin, director of photobiology research at Schering-Plough Corp., the maker of Coppertone and Bain de Soleil products, some sunscreens absorb UV, while others reflect and scatter UV. Most sunscreens work by creating a layer of sun-screening ingredients on top of the skin that absorb the sun’s UV rays before they can go through the skin.

You should apply at least one ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with your sunscreen – especially if you will be around sand, water or snow (because UV rays will be more intense). Don’t forget to cover all exposed skin – from the tips of your ears to the tips of your toes. Also be sure to reapply every two hours. If you are in the water or sweating heavily, you should reapply immediately after the activity.

Choosing a Sunscreen

With an increasing market for sunscreen, many manufacturers have developed sunscreen sticks, gels, lotions and sprays – getting rid of the messy, unpleasant-smelling goop that never seemed to rub all the way into your skin. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a sunscreen:

• Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The SPF factor indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn, as opposed to being in the sun with no protection at all. SPF numbers range from 2 to 60 – the higher the rating, the better the protection. For example, SPF 15 offers 93 percent protection from the sun’s rays. If you are prone to burning, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF 30, which provides 97 percent protection. It is also important to read the product’s label to make sure it shields from both UVA and UVB rays.
  
  
• Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: When a sunscreen is water-resistant, it means that it will maintain its degree of sunburn protection after 40 minutes of water exposure. On the other hand, a waterproof product will maintain sunburn protection after 80 minutes of water exposure. No matter which product you choose, you still have to reapply immediately after your activity in order to maintain sun protection.
  
  
• Activity you will be doing: Today’s sunscreen market is a lot bigger than it was 10 years ago – meaning you have even more options when selecting a sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen based on the type of activity you will be doing. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions for deciding on a sunscreen:
  
• If you are trying to avoid a greasy feel, try an oil-free product;
• If you are prone to allergic reactions or breakouts, choose a product that is hypoallergenic or is for sensitive skin;
• If you are worried about the sunscreen stinging your eyes while sweating during strenuous activity, choose a sports sunscreen – they dry quickly and often come in a stick format;
• If you are on a tight budget, you can get a good sunscreen for as low as $3. If you would like to spend a little more, prices can range up to $30.

Once you have made your purchase, it is important to store your sunscreen at room temperature. To make sure your sunscreen is long lasting, avoid contact with direct heat and sunlight. Sunscreen is generally good for about three years or until the expiration date on the bottle. However, if you notice any changes in color or odor, the product should be thrown out.

Sources: MSNBC, American Academy of Dermatology