We know using sunscreen can prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, but few of us know what ingredients to look for in an effective sunscreen. In December 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted new labeling guidelines to help consumers decide how to buy and use sunscreen. Here are nine tips to help you understand the labels and become sunscreen savvy.

1. We know using sunscreen can
prevent sunburns and reduce the risk
of developing skin cancer, but few of
us know what ingredients to look for
in an effective sunscreen. In
December 2012, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) enacted new
labeling guidelines to help
consumers decide how to buy and
use sunscreen. Here are nine tips to
help you understand the labels and
become sunscreen savvy.
Tips to Ensure You’re Sunscreen Savvy
By Linda Childers

2. Tip # 1:
Look for a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
When looking for sunscreen, make
sure to find a bottle that is labeled
broad-spectrum. This means it
protects against both UVA and UBA
radiation. “To obtain adequate
protection against sunburns, early
aging and skin cancer, consumers
should use a product that is broad-
spectrum and has a Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher,” says
Lisa Kubaska, Pharm.D.,
spokesperson for the FDA.

3. Tip # 2:
Use Sun Protection Every Day
Wearing sunscreen isn’t just for the
days you head to the beach –
sunburns can happen even when it’s
overcast. “I tell my patients to use a
broad-spectrum sunscreen with an
SPF of 15 or higher every day if
they’re going to be outside for more
than 20 minutes,” says Dr. Katie
Rodan, a board-certified
dermatologist and co-creator of the
Proactiv Solution and the
Rodan+Fields skincare line.

4. Tip # 3:
Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen
Experts say most people only use
half as much sunscreen as they
should. “You should apply enough
sunscreen to cover all of your
exposed areas,” says Rodan.
According to the FDA, an average-
size adult or child needs at least one
ounce (two tablespoons) of
sunscreen to evenly cover the body
from head to toe. Apply sunscreen
15 minutes before going outside – if
you wait until you are already outside
to apply, your skin is unprotected and
can burn easily.

5. Tip # 4:
Choose the Right Sunscreen for You
There are two types of sunscreens:
physical and chemical. Chemical
sunscreens are absorbed by the skin,
while physical sunscreens sit on the
skin’s surface and contain zinc and
titanium dioxide that reflect the sun’s
harmful rays away from the skin. “If
you have sensitive skin or rosacea, a
physical sunscreen is best,” Rodan
says.

6. Tip # 5:
Limit Sun Exposure
No sunscreen can offer all-day
protection. The FDA states that
sunscreens may claim they are water
resistant, but must specify how often
consumers should reapply. Apply
sunscreen to exposed skin, have a
friend apply sunscreen to your back
and use a lip balm with a minimum
of an SPF of 15. “It’s also important
to limit your time spent in the sun,
especially between the hours of 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays
are the strongest,” Kubaska says.

7. Tip # 6:
Apply Generously & Reapply Frequently
The FDA calls SPF values over 50
misleading and notes that there is no
evidence that consumers receive
added sun protection as SPF
numbers increase. “An SPF of 30 is
ideal for daily wear,” Rodan says.
Rather than looking for a sunscreen
with a high SPF number, Rodan
suggests purchasing an SPF 30
sunscreen and ensuring that you
apply it generously and reapply
frequently for maximum protection.

8. Tip # 7:
Wear Hats, Protective Clothing & Sunglasses
Many people have a false sense of
security from wearing sunscreen,
says Rodan, who reminds her
patients that sunscreen is only one
way to protect against the sun’s
harmful rays. If you’re spending a
significant amount of time outdoors,
consider wearing hats, protective
clothing and sunglasses with at least
99 percent UV protection. Avoid
midday sun exposure and alternate
time in the sun with time in the
shade whenever possible.

9. Tip # 8:
Keep Babies Out of Direct Sunlight
Spending hours in the sun isn’t
recommended for babies. If your
little one is under 6 months old, be
sure to keep him or her out of direct
sunlight. The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends applying a
small amount of sunscreen to your
baby’s face and backs of hands, if
protective clothing and shade aren’t
available. Children over the age of 6
months should have sunscreen
applied to all areas of their body (but
use caution around the eyes).

10. Tip # 9:
Remember, Everyone Needs Sun Protection
Many people believe that those with
fair skin are most apt to burn or be
diagnosed with skin cancer, but even
those with darker skin tones can get
skin cancer and damage their skin
from exposure to the sun. The
American Academy of Dermatology
recommends that people of all races
and ethnicities wear sunscreen.