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L i v e Yo u n g e r L o n g e r
Look for
broad-spectrum protection.
These words mean that the
sunscreen helps guard against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Both kinds can
damage skin and lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. Only products that pass a test
can carry this claim.
Check the sun protection factor (SPF).
The label also shows whether the sunscreen has
an SPF rating of at least 15, which can help
safeguard your skin. For even greater protection,
dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum
SPF 30 sunscreen.
Heed the warning. Sunscreens rated lower
than SPF 15 or that don’t offer broad-spectrum
protection must warn that they guard only against
sunburn—not skin cancer and early aging.
Choose a water-resistant product.
The
label now states whether the sunscreen resists
water for up to either 40 or 80 minutes, at
which time you’ll need to reapply. Claims that
a product is waterproof or sweatproof aren’t
allowed anymore because there’s no way to
prevent all of the sunscreen from coming off
your skin when you swim or sweat. The term
sunblock
is also considered misleading and
banned from sunscreen bottles.
Rub it in.
Once you’ve chosen the right
sunscreen, be sure to apply it to exposed
skin whenever you plan to spend
time in the sun. And use plenty —
about 1 ounce (enough to fill two
tablespoons). Don’t forget to rub
some more on every two hours
— sooner if you get wet.
Reading
is believing
Here’s a closer look at today’s
sunscreen labels, with hints on
how to make them work for you:
What’s
new?
OK, so maybe you can’t
judge a book by its cover.
But you can learn a lot about
a bottle of sunscreen just
by looking at its label.
Specifically, checking the
label helps you choose a
sunscreen that reduces your
risk of sunburn, early aging
and skin cancer. And now
that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has updated
sunscreen label rules, making
the right choice for your
skin is easier
than ever.
