Which Product Should I Choose?
The shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets are filled with products designed for sun protection. The perplexed customer stands in front of these products and wonders which of them to choose. Here are some tips to help with the decision.
First, the products of different companies are quite similar. It is best to choose product from a company well known in Israel or abroad, and not to buy from an unknown company. The well-known companies advertise their products with guarantees of quality and purity, but the unknown company may not offer the same guarantees.
There are two main types of sun protection creams, differing primarily in the basis of the cream (all of the products consist of the “active” sun protection ingredients and the basis of “inactive” ingredients that hold and help deliver the active ingredients.) One basis is oil based, the other, non-oily. The oil-based creams offer the added benefit of being moisturizers as well as protectants. People with acne-prone or sensitive skin should choose the non-oil based creams, apply a thin layer, and reapply often.
What SPF number should I choose?
Most products sold today protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
The “sun protection factor” shown on the container indicates the strength of the protection. A healthy person can use SPF 15 to 30. There is no need for the high SPF 50. This is designed mainly for people with skin diseases or people highly sensitive to sunlight. So, if normal people can get away with using SPF 15, why do we recommend SPF 30 and above? The reason is that these products are tested under laboratory conditions, and not in the actual sun. Often we apply the cream to ourselves and children as we hurry to work or to the beach or pool, and an SPF15 cream’s effectiveness is reduced to SPF 7 or 8 after a few minutes, which is not enough protection. Applying SPF 30 or higher means that after a few minutes the effectiveness is SPF 15 or 20, which is plenty of protection.
What is the best way to apply the sunscreen, and how often should I reapply?
Apply sunscreen about 10 minutes before leaving home, so that the cream will be absorbed and offer immediate protection by the time you leave. If you wait until you are outside to apply it, you will not be protected until it is absorbed. Reapply every two hours, and more often if you are engaged in sports or swimming, especially if the cream is not waterproof.
Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, especially on the face, ears, back of the neck, arms, chest, and back. When at the beach or pool, apply to legs and feet, too.
Is it possible to protect myself from the sun using a hat, and dressing in a long-sleeved shirt, and staying in the shade?
Undoubtedly taking measures such as these are a good idea, and effective to a point, but they are by no means enough. Even using sunscreen and staying in the shade is not effective, because UV rays can reach our skin even in the shade.
General Tip:
Exposure to the sun is undesirable in any case. There is no advantage to being in the sun, beyond the aesthetic concept that being tan is attractive. Sun exposure raises your risk of skin cancers and causes early aging of the skin. As a rule, you should avoid being outside from 8:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. If you are outside during these hours you should protect yourself with a high SPF sunscreen and reapply it often. Go to the beach or pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon or evening.
Wishing you a healthy and pleasant summer!
Prof. Arye Ingber
Head, Dermatology Department
Hadassah Jerusalem