[fusion_dropcap class="fusion-content-tb-dropcap"]I[/fusion_dropcap]n preparation for a weekend at the beach, you decide to go to the store and pick up a new bottle of sunscreen. Once there, you’re faced with a towering, intimidating wall of options. With Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone and the rest, how are you supposed to come to a clear, logical decision on one bottle of sunscreen? It’s time to break down sunscreen jargon, with the help of Web MD.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
For the majority of people, SPF 15 sunscreen is appropriate. It filters out 93 percent of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that increase the risk of skin cancer and cause sunburn. However, people who have fair skin, a history of skin cancer or a health condition like lupus or melasma should consider SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Note that SPF 30 is not twice as strong as SPF 15; SPF 30 filters out 97 percent of UVB rays, only a slight difference.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) Protection
Unfortunately, there is no helpful rating here. To protect from UVA rays that increase the risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkles, look for at least one of these ingredients in your sunscreen: ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone or zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the oldest and least expensive of these ingredients, yet they work just as well as the newest and most expensive ingredient, ecamsule.

Specific Usage
Choosing a sunscreen also depends on 1) the situation it will be used in, and 2) the individual. If you’re going to be swimming or exercising, consider opting for a water/sweat resistant sunscreen. However, remember to reapply regularly as water resistant and waterproof are two entirely different things.

If you are buying sunscreen for children, avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), dioxybenzone, oxybenzone and sulisobenzone (the benzone family) that can irritate their more sensitive skin. The same logic applies for people with skin problems like rosacea and people with allergies.

Shelby Ashline, WMWM Intern

By Published On: July 26, 2015Categories: Beauty Beat

About the Author: Dee Ferrero

Ms. Ferrero is the CEO of Western Mass Women Magazine as well as the founder of several women's mentor and advocacy groups along the east coast.

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