Make sense of the fine print on your sunscreen tube

POSTED BY Vera, Jun 3, 2008 AT 01:54 pm

Chemical Sunscreens-Ingredients like benzophenones, salicylates, snd cinnamates form a protective film to absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin’s surface.

Physical Sunscreens-These work by reflecting the sun’s UV rays. Look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

Photoaging-Skin damage caused by sun exposure—like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and the leathery texture seen on folks playing shuffleboard in Boca Raton.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)-The number that tells you how much longer a sunscreen will keep you from burning than no protection at all. Say you normally turn pink after 1 0 minutes without sun block. SPF 15 would shield you 15 times as long as that—or for 150 minutes—before you start to burn.

UVA-Ultraviolet rays that penetrate deep into the skin and cause photoaging and skin cancer.

UVB-Rays that affect the outer layer of skin. Shorter than UVAs, they’re responsible for sunburns and contribute to skin cancer.

Star Rating-A new sunscreen-labeling system the FDA has in the works. Stars on labels will indicate the level (1 = lowest, 4 = highest) of UVA protection offered.

Water-resistant-Sunscreen whose SPF remains effective after 40 minutes of immersion. “Very water- resistant” sunscreens remain effective after 80 minutes in water

Waterproof-No sunscreen is waterpoof; the FDA has suggested removing this term from labels.

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