Taking Control – Slap on Sunscreen
What is SPF?
The ingredients in sunscreen protect the skin by either absorbing or blocking and scattering UV radiation. Sunscreens are rated by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) system. The SPF rating is primarily the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen provides.
The rating (SPF15, SPF20, etc.) indicates how much longer a person can be in the sun before burning than when not wearing sunscreen. For example: Suppose you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes before starting to burn if you are NOT wearing sunscreen. When using sunscreen you can stay in the sun your initial 10 minutes multiplied by the SPF rating. So if you use a sunscreen rated SPF15, you should be able to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (10 x 15) or 2.5 hours before starting to burn. Reapplying sunscreen reinforces the protection although it does not extend the time you can remain in the sun.
How to Choose the Proper Sunscreen and SPF
The best sunscreen is one that blocks enough UV radiation to protect your skin. The chart below can be used as a guideline to obtain the proper protection.
REMEMBER: You should always consult with your physician when choosing the proper sunscreen ESPECIALLY if you are taking any medications that could result in photosensitivity.
| Skin Type | Complexion | Skin Reaction | SPF to avoid sunburn |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Very fair; unexposed skin is white; blue eyes, freckles. | Tans little or not at all; always develops a painful burn quickly. | 30–50 |
| II | Fair; red, blonde, light brown hair; unexposed skin is white. | Tans lightly and peels; usually develops a painful burn quickly. | 30–50 |
| III | Average Caucasian; unexposed skin is white. | Develops an average tan; moderately burns. | 15–20 |
| IV | Medium complexion; unexposed skin is white or light brown; usually with dark hair and dark eyes. | Tans easily and burns minimally. | 6–15 |
| V | Dark, unexposed skin is brown. | Tans easily and substantially; rarely burns. | 2–10 |
| VI | Very dark, unexposed skin is black. | Becomes deeply pigmented and never burns. | 2–10 |
[
Next: Learn to Spot Skin Cancer ]
Hey, it’s Cool in the Shade.
Protect your skin. Protect yourself.
Some pages on this website are created and maintained by kids—members of Texas 4-H.