Not every sunscreen is good.

Many people are concerned about which sunscreen product is better for their skin. Health officials established that many sunscreen products do not meet the sun protection factor from the label.

According to Dr. James Zasuly, BayCare Clinic board certified plastic surgeon the most skin damage that occurs in time comes from prolonged sun exposure. But people should always be aware of the chemicals, especially beachgoers who have sensitive skin.

Zasuly stressed that most of the harmful chemicals from sun protection products were removed a long time ago. It means that the market should be safe now. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are standard ingredients of these products because they are oil based minerals that protect the skin from the harmful UV rays.

Ultraviolet rays are made up of UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are shorter and more common than UVA rays. They are usually responsible for sunburns, whereas UVA rays have a longer wavelength, and they can penetrate the skin deeper increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Dermatologists divided skin cancer into three types, but only one can be deadly, and that is melanoma. Even this kind of cancer can be cured if it is detected early. Besides prevention, early diagnose is the key to deal with skin cancer as soon as possible.

Doctors underline that melanoma is 100 percent curable if it is early detected. According to the FDA officials, sunscreens with SPF 30 are the best choice, and they must also have the ‘broad spectrum’ level, which means that the product provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF 15 sunscreen offers 93 percent protection, whereas SPF 30 products block 97 percent of the ultraviolet rays. Anything higher than SPF 50 provides just between 1 and 2 percent additional protection. Unless you are a person with sensitive skin, higher SPF products might be just a waste of money.

Sunscreen products are divided into physical and chemical sunscreens. The distinction is that chemical products are more expensive. Also, some people might have chemical allergies so they should stick to physical sunscreens.

Even if they are hard to wash, physical sunscreens might offer a better layer of protection against the UV rays.

Dermatologists recommend residents and beachgoers to apply sunscreen at every two hours, after swimming, or excessive sweating. Plus, they should not fall for the ‘waterproof’ label because every product loses its efficiency after contact with water.

Image Source:City of Hope