1. Antiaging Tips & Secrets Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Sun Safety Quiz!
3. Take the Skin Quiz

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is sun protection?
• How is sunburn best prevented?
• What is sunscreen?
• What is meant by SPF?
• Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation?
• How do sunscreens work, and which sunscreen ingredients protect against both types of UV radiation?
• How should skin sunscreens be applied?
• Do water or perspiration wash off sunscreen?
• Can sunscreens cause a skin reaction?
• Should everyone use sunscreen protection?
• Can the labels on sunscreen products be trusted in the U.S.?
• Do all tanning products contain sunscreens?
• What kind of sunglasses should be worn?
• Is sunscreen protection necessary in the winter?
• Are a good sunscreen and sunglasses enough?
• Sun Safety FAQs
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Sun Protection and Sunscreens Index

No. Some sunscreens protect against only one type of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet-B (UVB). Others protect against both types of ultraviolet radiation that reach earth's atmosphere from the sun: ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A (UVA).

Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB, and are thus classified as "broad spectrum," are recommended for everyone. There are new regulations in labeling of sunscreen products that allow consumers to better understand the degree of protection offered by a given product.

Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide protect against UVB and UVA. However, zinc oxide blocks more UV radiation than titanium dioxide and, therefore, is the preferred ingredient. Some chemical sunscreens can also block UVA rays. Octocrylene is a chemical known as a cinnamate that has both UVA- and UVB-absorbing properties, and the benzophenones (such as avobenzone) can also absorb both UVA and UVB rays. In July 2006, the U.S. FDA approved an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen preparation known as Anthelios SX that contains the UVA filter ecamsule. Ecamsule is a potent UVA-blocking compound that has been sold in sunscreen products in Canada and Europe since 1993.

It's a good general rule to apply a sunscreen very liberally. Anyone who skimps won't receive full protection. The sunscreen should be applied about a half hour before going outside to allow time for the sunscreen to soak in and take effect.