sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy. but
sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep you safe in the sun.
sunscreen includes active ingredients that help prevent the sun’s uv radiation from reaching your skin. here’s how the two types of
sunscreen work for you:
physical
sunscreen ingredients (including the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) block and scatter the rays before they penetrate your skin.
chemical
sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb uv rays before they can damage your skin.
•
apply 15 minutes before you go outside. this allows the
sunscreen (of spf 15 or higher) to have enough time to provide the maximum benefit.
•
use enough to cover your entire face and body (avoiding the eyes and mouth). an average-sized adult or child needs at least one ounce of
sunscreen (about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass) to evenly cover the body from head to toe.
• know your skin. fair-skinned people are likely to absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned people under the same conditions.
• reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.