++
Sunscreens are very important for the prevention of ultraviolet light (UVL)–related disorders such as skin cancer and photoaging (eg, wrinkles).12 Several factors are important in the selection of a sunscreen including the sun protection factor (SPF) rating, the active ingredient, and the vehicle (Table 6-6). The SPF is a measurement of a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin against UVL in a laboratory setting. For example, if someone normally sunburns after 20 minutes of sunlight exposure, theoretically a SPF 15 sunscreen would protect him or her from burning for 15 × 20 minutes or 5 hours. However, there are several factors that in real life use of sunscreen reduce the level of protection. For maximum effectiveness sunscreens should be used as follows:
++
Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF of 15 to 30 or higher should be used
Applied 15 to 30 minutes before exposure
Applied at the amount of 30 g (1 oz) per application if an entire adult body is to be covered
Reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating
Kept at room temperature, not stored in car
++
++
FDA sunscreen regulations on labeling of sunscreens were changed in 2012. Some of these rules include criterion for the term "broad spectrum" and water-resistant claims will be specific (ie, sunscreen remains effective for 40 or 80 minutes after swimming). There will also be a limit on the SPF that can be claimed.
++
Clothing commonly worn in the summer such as cotton, rayon, and linen may not offer sufficient protection from UVL for some fair-skinned or photosensitive individuals.13 Polyester fabrics offer higher level of protection, but for prolonged sun exposure, sun protective clothing is a better option. The following are examples of companies that offer a wide range of sun protective clothing, swimwear, and hats for children and adults:
++
++
Some people are unwilling to limit UVL exposure because they want a tan. Sunless tanning products are an option for some of those individuals who want to have the appearance of a tan without exposure to the sunlight or tanning beds. These products usually contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that interacts with the amino acids in the stratum corneum to produce a temporary tanned appearance to the skin. DHA in a lower concentration in a daily moisturizer (eg, Jergens Natural Glow and Neutrogena Build-A-Tan) is associated with less streaking. Sunless tanning products are not sunscreens and do not protect against sunburns.
++
Additional information about sun protection can be found at the Web site of the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) and the American Academy of Dermatology (www.AAD.org).