Are you confused by all the sunscreen options and ingredients? From information about water resistant sunscreens to SPF 50 to broad spectrum protection, The Skin Cancer Foundation has got you covered. Our guides to sunscreen ingredients, safety, and use will help you navigate the maze of sun protection choices. And be sure to check out The Skin Cancer Foundation’s list of recommended products to help you find sun protection that carries our Seal of Recommendation, the Foundation’s stamp of efficacy and safety.
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 The sunscreen aisle of a drugstore offers lots of choices, but which one is right for you? We show you how to find the sunscreen that best fits your lifestyle.
What Are Sunscreens?
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
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A Healthy Glow That’s Truly Healthy |
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(Reprinted with permission from The New York Times)
By JANE E. BRODY
June 1, 2009
 “You’ve been in the sun,” a woman remarked when she saw me last month, a hint of disapproval in her voice.
“No,” I was pleased to be able to reply. “I just use a tinted face cream and makeup to match.”
You see, I’ve learned my lesson, sort of. I’ve had four precancers (medically, actinic keratoses) removed from my face in recent years, the consequence of decades of unprotected exposure to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. From my teens through my 30s, I devoted hours to baking in the summer sun coated with baby oil, not sunscreen.
So far I’ve been fortunate — no skin cancers yet and minimal facial wrinkles at age 68. But I decided awhile back not to push my luck. I would rather not be the one in six Americans who eventually develops skin cancer. So I apply a facial moisturizer with sunscreen several times a day, and in spring through fall I minimize my time in the midday sun. I also wear sunglasses with full UV protection both for comfort and to protect against cataracts.
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(Reprinted with permission from The New York Times)
By TARA PARKER-POPE
July 22, 2008
For years, dermatologists have told us sunscreen protects skin. Now, many people are questioning that advice after an environmental group challenged the safety of many popular brands.
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We agree with the Environmental Working Group that UVA sunscreens should be required by the FDA. However we are concerned that the sunscreen summary issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) will raise unnecessary confusion and cause people to stop using sunscreen.
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The annual sunscreen report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) continues to raise unnecessary confusion and concern about the safety and efficacy of sunscreens. However, this year’s report does include two positive notes:
- The EWG acknowledges that there are more effective UVA blocking sunscreens available today.
- Contrary to previous EWG reports, the EWG now states that there is no scientific data showing that the nanoparticle inorganic UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are harmful.
We are concerned that their report will cause people to stop using sunscreen. Consumers should rest assured that sunscreen products are safe and effective when used as directed. Since our inception 30 years ago, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking the shade and covering up with clothing. |
 Q. Why are sunscreens important for our well being?
A. There is a dark side to the sun. The government has placed ultraviolet radiation (UVR) both from the sun and from tanning machines on its list of known human carcinogens. UVR produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Therefore, along with other sun safety strategies, sunscreens that absorb or block UVR serve an important protective function.
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More than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure and sunscreens are a key weapon in the arsenal against the disease. While sunscreens have improved dramatically over the past several years, there was a need to update the governmental regulations associated with sunscreens especially regarding the institution of a UVA test method and product labeling. Our knowledge of the dangers associated with UVA rays has grown significantly over the last few decades. We now know that UVA plays a very direct role in skin cancer comparable to that of UVB. Therefore, introducing a UVA test method will enable consumers to know how well the product protects against UVA rays as well as UVB rays. --Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation
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