A Sunscreen Vocabulary Guide
When planning fun in the sun, don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin. With hundreds of sunscreen manufacturers lining the shelves, it’s especially difficult to choose the best option. Here are some basic definitions of sun protection that will help you decide the best lotion for your day outside.
UVA/UVB Rays – The two types of UV light that can hurt your skin are called UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the deeper levels of your skin, including the dermis, which is the skin’s thickest layer. UVB rays burn the top layer of your skin. Increased exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – SPF is measured by how long it will take for protected skin to burn compared to skin without sunscreen. However, each level of SPF is only slightly stronger than the previous (SPFs over 50 are only slightly more protective than 30.) These are only a measure of UVB rays, because UVA protection isn’t rated.
Broad Spectrum – Broad spectrum means the product protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Because SPF’s measurements are tricky, the term “broad spectrum” is a good sign to look for.
Water-Resistant – Water-resistant is pretty self-explanatory, but manufacturers sometimes leave the exact measurement off the bottle. “Water resistant” as a general rule means the SPF will have its protective effects for up to 40 minutes of swimming/sweating.
If you have any concerns about your skin or skin-aging, contact Knoxville Dermatology Group by calling (865)690-9467.
