Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an effective way to prevent sunburn but do not rely on it to protect you from skin cancer. The SPF (sun protection factor) number on a sunscreen product will tell the user how effective the product is against the effects of the sun. A rating of SPF 2 in minimal protection, while an SPF rating of 30 or more is maximum protection and will not even allow tanning. Most physicians recommend a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 for adults and children.

Make sure the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) sunlight. The SPF rating applies only to UVB rays. Even broad-spectrum sunscreens are not very good in filtering out UVA rays.

Use sunscreens that combine UVA sunscreen (oxybenzone) with vitamins C and E. When combined with vitamin C, vitamin E helps prevent skin damage from ultraviolet light.

An effective sunscreen will contain at least 5% PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). Because some people experience an allergic reaction to PABA, there are new sunscreens available. Some of these contain benzophenone, which shields a wide spectrum of light rays but is not as effective against the damaging ultraviolet rays as PABA is.

The sunscreens containing zinc oxide are very effective, but not very attractive.