Sunscreen Stats

Sunscreen manufacturers and the media provide so much information on sun-protection products, that it's difficult to separate fact from fiction. Following are just a few facts to help sort it all out...

Use sunscreen daily-even on rainy days and in winter. Even brief sun exposure adds up over time.

UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer and premature aging. UVA tans your skin. UVB burns it. Both cause wrinkles. SPF sunscreen ratings do not refer to UVA rays, so be sure your sunscreen also includes UVA block, such as transparent minimum 6% zinc oxide.

Sunscreen that boasts higher numbers is not much more effective. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays...SPF 30 blocks 97%.The difference matters most to people who tan or burn easily.

Use adequate amounts of sunscreen. An 8-ounce bottle of SPF 15, if applied properly, is enough for a weekend at the beach.

Waterproof sunscreen protects you for approximately 8O minutes in the water. So reapply it if you are in the water longer and also after you towel off.