What You Need to Know About Sunscreen

May 20, 2013      |      Posted on Posted in Total Well-Being
What You Need to Know About Sunscreen

What Are Sunscreens?

 

Sunscreen help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin.

What Are UVA and UVB rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are part of the light that reaches the earth from the sun. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays cause lasting skin damage, skin aging, and skin cancer. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause sunburns, skin damage, and skin cancer.

What Is SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB rays.

What Does Broad-Spectrum Mean?

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and are recommended for all users.

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation