Facts and Myths About Sunscreen

Sunshine is vital to our existence. It provides us with important vitamins and gives us a little color to make us look healthier. But as with anything, too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, especially for babies and children.

 

Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing sunscreen or sunblock we’re all a bit under educated about which is the right choice – or if there is even a difference in the two. Let’s take a look at some facts – and myths – about sunscreen and see if we can’t help sort it all out.

 

First of all, if you’re not sure of what SPF means – simply put it’s the Sun Protection Factor and it lets you know how much protection you are getting from the sun. So – if you purchase a sunscreen with an SPF-15 and you normally start to burn after fifteen minutes, you’re going to be able stay in the sun for fifteen times longer – or three hours and forty five minutes. However, even with that amount of protection, you should re-apply more often than that especially if you are swimming or sweating a lot.

 

Now that being said – if a sunscreen with an SPF-15 protects you for fifteen times more, an SPF-30 doesn’t double that amount and products with extremely high SPF numbers are nothing more than a misleading marketing ploy. A product with an SPF range of 15-60 is more than sufficient.

And speaking of misleading marketing ploys: sunscreens and sunblock that are “made for children” tend to be more expensive – you can purchase the adult version (as long as it falls within the 15-60 range) is perfectly fine to use.

 

Finally, as you take the kids and head to the beach or lounge by the pool, keep these facts in mind:

 

• Sunscreen/sunblock is even necessary on cloudy days as 80% of the suns UV rays can penetrate clouds.
• Sun can damage any skin type so even if you already have a tan or dark skin, you still need sunscreen.
• Waterproof does not mean water resistant. Re-apply your product every two hours or if you’ve been in the water, after you dry off.
• Sunscreen does NOT prevent cancer. Yes, the product can reduce your exposure to the sun’s harmful rays but it will not prevent cancer.
• The sun’s rays are most damaging between the hours of 10:00 and 4:00 – do your best to limit your exposure during those times.

Be smart when it comes to exposing yourself and your children to the sun and remember a little really does go a long way.