The Right Type of Sunblock

By Frank Goldman, PharmD.

Protecting our skin from the sun's harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays is absolutely necessary to prevent premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer. Applying sunblock and / or sunscreen every day can greatly reduce these effects on our skin and create a barrier against the sun.

Sunblock is crucial year-round - sunny or overcast - at all times of daylight. Even if you already are aware of this, you may be unsure of what type of sunblock or sunscreen to use - and when to use it.

With so many products on the market, it can be confusing as to what is what. Consumers have three basic options when it comes to being outdoors: sunblock, sunscreen, and tanning lotion.

• Sunblock is the most effective of the sun products in blocking the sun's harmful rays from damaging your skin. It is crucial for protecting your skin during the summer months, or if you spend extended periods of time outdoors year-round.
• Sunscreen is a lighter alternative to sunblock and lets a little sun in to help you get a tan or perhaps for daily use when you spend limited time in the sun.
• Tanning lotion is becoming a less popular item because it offers no protection against the sun. Though it professes to help you achieve a darker skin, most sun tan lotions will also allow in harmful UV rays, so you run the risk of skin damage as well.

SPF - short for Sun Protection Factor - is used to guide consumers about the amount of protection they can expect to receive with a sun-care product. The most common SPFs are:

• SPF 15 - what you will typically find in face lotion and / or in makeup. It can be used daily for limited time in the sun, year around.
• SPF 30 - for extended periods of time in the sun.
• SPF 45 or higher - used most commonly for high intensity sun such as hiking or at the beach on a hot, sunny day.

It is always useful to have a sunblock or sunscreen that is waterproof or perspiration-proof. It tends to be a bit thicker than a normal sunblock or sunscreen, but absolutely necessary on hot, sunny days or when you may be swimming. It doesn't wash off easily and leave your skin vulnerable. It is important to note, however, that water- and perspiration-proof formulas are not infallible and should be reapplied after sweating or swimming because some of the product will wash or wear off.