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Protection from the sun at any age is important in the prevention of short-term and long-term effects of sunlight. Sunlight omits different types of ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, skin cancer, and other types of photodamage. Ultraviolet type A (UV-A) is a very common type that can cause invisible damage and skin aging, without any reddening or pain. Ultraviolet type B (UV-B) radiation causes sunburn and is easier to protect your skin from than UV-A.

Effective sunscreen has been developed since 1938 to protect the skin from harmful sunlight. It has been in wide use since the height of World War II, when it became apparent that soldiers in the Pacific were suffering the hazards of overexposure to the sun. Eventually, a worldwide standard for measuring the effectiveness of sunscreen was introduced in 1962, when the concept of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was applied to all sunscreen products.

The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The SPF number indicates the time a person wearing sunscreen can be exposed to the sun before getting sunburn relative to the time a person without sunscreen can be exposed. Someone who would burn after 15 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 150 minutes if protected by a sunscreen with SPF 10. Different skin types require different SPF strengths.

The protection from a particular sunscreen depends on factors such as the skin type of the user, the amount applied and frequency of re-application, activities engaged in during usage, and the time exposed to the sun. There are so many sunscreens now available that selecting the right one can be difficult. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it is SPF 15 or higher, and select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation.

To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 ounce - or about a shot glass full. Studies show that people normally use only a quarter to a half of that amount. During long periods of sun exposure, one person should use around 4 ounces of sunscreen. It should be applied 30 minutes before exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication is just as important, and the same amount should be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming, toweling, off, or significant sweating.

With global warming a looming reality, it is even more important than ever to ensure that you understand what kind of sunscreen and SPF strength your skin needs to protect yourself this summer from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. iDerma offers a variety of scientifically advanced sunscreen brands and products, including EltaMD, to protect any skin type. The sunscreens they carry are cosmetically elegant while at the same time contain fewer ingredients. This reduces the chances of skin irritation while protecting your skin with a higher concentration of active ingredients. iDerma’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to select sunscreen and anti-aging products that fits your needs.

Last Updated: May 08, 2009