7 Facts About Sunscreens You Did Not Know
You may be using sunscreen whenever you step out to go to the beach or go out in the afternoon. But do you really know these facts about the sunscreen you wear? Read on to find out a few interesting facts about sunscreen. If you have any questions or doubts about sunscreen or your sunscreen application habits, you must consult an expert or a medical practitioner.
1. All day protection
Experts argue that there is no such thing as all day protection that can be offered by sunscreen. Many sunscreen lotion advertisements claim that they keep your skin protected all day long, but that may not be practically possible. Because of sunscreen’s exposure to the body’s sweat, oils and other fluids, it tends to get diluted which may decrease its efficiency. Dermatologists are known to recommend sunscreen application at regular intervals during the day.
2. Confusion with sun tan
In common parlance, people are known to use the word sun tan lotion when they actually mean sunscreen. In reality, these two words have different meanings. A sun tan lotion increases the absorption of UV rays which darkens or tans the skin, while a sunscreen lotion blocks UV rays. Sunscreen lotion is also commonly referred to as sunblock, block out or sunburn cream.
3. Regulation
In case you are wondering who regulates sunscreen, it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter drug. The FDA regulation provides information about the type and strength of UV protection offered by a particular sunscreen.
4. Ideal combination of sunscreen
It is easy to get confused regarding which sunscreen to buy among the array of options that can be found on a cosmetics counter in the supermarket. Experts recommend use of sunscreen that is water resistant, has broad-spectrum protection and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays are called broad-spectrum sunscreens.
