The 411 on UVA and UVB
‘Broad Spectrum’ is not a movie genre
You'll want to look for sunscreens that are labeled "Broad Spectrum," but what does it mean? Simply put, it means that the sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA rays and helps prevent skin cancer and sunburn.
Thirty is the magic number
A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will block 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays and is recommended by dermatologists. Although higher number SPFs will give you more coverage, it's important to remember that no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun's harmful UVB rays.
Sunscreen should be your BFF
It's important to remember to apply sunscreen every time you go outside. The sun emits harmful rays year round, even on cloudy days. Being in the shade will not provide total protection, as reflected light can still harm your skin.
Sunscreens, like fruit, expire
FDA guidelines state that all sunscreens must retain their original strength for at least three years. If your sunscreen has an expiration date, adhere to it. If it doesn't, write the purchase date on the bottle yourself so you'll know when to discard it. Also, any changes to color or consistency may signal that your product is past its prime.
Sunscreen in your makeup doesn’t cut it
While a foundation/sunscreen is convenient, experts say that it doesn't provide the protection you need. At issue is the quantity—the amount of foundation you use isn't the same amount of sunscreen that you would need to apply to your face. Best to apply a sunscreen underneath your makeup, or slather on a moisturizer with an SPF.
Once is not enough
Most people apply sunscreen before they head outside and think they're done for the day. Not true, say experts, who advise reapplication every two hours or even more frequently if you're doing a lot of swimming or sweating.
