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One of the most frequently asked questions is why sunscreen is important year round. I always reply that regardless of skin type and ethnicity, everyone needs to use sunscreen every day, preferably a broad-spectrum sunscreen – one that protects against both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays – with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 for basic protection. Not only is sunscreen the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer, but when used on a regular basis, sunscreen actually allows some repair of damaged skin. Everyone seems to understand the importance of the SPF number on sunscreens, but there are still questions about what these numbers mean. SPF is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin versus unprotected skin. For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a fair-skinned person who would normally turn red after ten minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take twenty minutes of exposure for the skin to turn red. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would take 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes. Many people falsely believe that the amount of time they can spend in the sun actually increases proportionately with a designated SPF number. Because some ultraviolet light gets through sunscreens, higher SPF products should not be used as a way of prolonging sun exposure – only to avoid sunburn. It's important to note however that since an SPF measurement is the most protection a person can receive under the best possible conditions, many times sunscreens do not perform up to their labeled SPF ratings. No matter what level of SPF you are using, factors, including wind, humidity, perspiration and body movement, as well as not applying enough sunscreen, uneven application and forgetting to reapply, can influence the effectiveness of sunscreen. It's important to remember that the SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's ability to block UVB rays which are the sun's burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Currently, there is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved rating system that identifies the amount of UVA rays – the rays that penetrate deeper into the dermis, or base layer of the skin and contribute to sunburns and skin cancer – being blocked by sunscreen. However, one of the newest sunscreen ingredients and the first to be approved by the FDA to block UVA is ecamsule, also known as Mexoryl. Currently available in only one sunscreen formulation, this ingredient will play a role in the development of better and longer-lasting sunscreens. In the meantime, you can continue to shop for sunscreens with these important and effective ingredients: oxybenzone, octylmethoxy cinnamate, menthyl anthranilate, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone. The form you select for your sunscreen, whether, cream, gel, lotion or stick, is a matter of personal preference. Creams are best for individuals with dry skin, but gels are preferable in hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams typically yield a thicker application than lotions and are best for the face. One thing I always recommend is that a sunscreen must be water resistant when used under high humidity conditions, or when sweating heavily, or while swimming. And remember your lips can be sunburned too, so it is important to apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Another common question I get is "can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year?" My answer is if you are using the appropriate amount of sunscreen every time you apply it – at least one ounce to cover all the exposed areas of the body properly, about enough to fill a shot glass – a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last you very long at all. Plus, you should be reapplying it every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. However, unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. If you need help selecting a sunscreen, the Academy recently initiated the AAD Seal of Recognition™ program. The AAD Seal of Recognition™ can help consumers choose products that provide sun protection recommended by dermatologists, including broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Look for the AAD Seal of Recognition™ symbol and statements on product labels, packaging and advertising. If you do get a sunburn, the best treatment is a compress of skim milk. Moisten an old wash cloth with cold skim milk and lay it gently over the sunburned skin. The protein in the skim milk adheres to the burned skin and provides a thin protective film accompanied by the cooling provided by the evaporating cold milk. The compresses can be refreshed with additional cold skim milk as needed. What is my best recommendation? Remember that sunscreens are only one part of a comprehensive sun-protection regimen and they should be used in conjunction with other protective methods, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and avoiding tanning beds. Editor's Note: Academy member Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, is a clinical associate professor in the department of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C. www.HealthNewsDigest.com Top of Page 
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