Protection with Sunscreen
 
No doubt judicious and early use of sunscreens can protect against the most significant external factor in aging, the sun. Most sunscreens currently on the market, however, effectively block only UVB rays, not UVA. The concern is that people using high number sunscreens that block UVB rays may get high doses of UVA which can be very damaging to the skin. The natural warning signs, such as sunburn are, however, suppressed by sunscreens designed for UVB rays.

Recognition of the damaging effects of UVA rays has set the wheels in motion for the reformulation of sunscreens to more effectively block UVA rays as well. Sunscreens contain various agents which have been proven to protect against the rays of the sun. Paraaminobenzoic acid or PABA, PABA esters (glyceryl, padimate A, padimate 0 or octyl dimethyl PABA), and cinnamates are all agents which effectively protect against UVB rays. Benzophenones (oxybenzone, methoxybenzone, and sulfisobenzone) and Parsol 1789 are effective in protecting against UVA rays. So to be totally protected, select a sunscreen with a combination of two of these agents, one for UVB rays and one for UVA.

Theoretically SPF (sun protection factor) simply means the factor of time greater than normal that it takes for ultraviolet light from the sun's rays to bum the skin. For example, if the unprotected skin bums in one minute, an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow 15 minutes of sun exposure before a sunburn will occur. An SPF greater than 15 provides diminishing returns.

With the increasing use of sunscreens, there was also an increasing need to find a good method to evaluate their protection.

If an individual swims or participates in vigorous sports and perspires, sunscreens which will not wash off immediately are recommended. (Ombrelle 15 or Presun 29 are useful.) Note that occlusive and waterproof sunscreens may cause a sweat rash.

*To select the sunscreen that best suits you, ask yourself the following questions: * Does it protect my skin or do I have signs of sun exposure? * Is it too occlusive and sticky? * Do I break out in pimples when I use it? *Do I break out in a rash?


The four requirements for good uniform protection are as follows:
1. Sunscreen technology, in particular availability of UVA and broad-spectrum UV
filters
2. Assessment of performance, in particular SPF and UVA methods
3. Standards set by industry or authorities, in particular regarding UVA protection
4. Compliance of the sunscreen user

Some advertisements recommend one type of sunscreen around the eyes, another for the lips, and so forth. It is better that you find one sunscreen that suits you and use it for all parts of your body If you must subdivide the body, use one sunscreen for the face and another for the body; do not go beyond this or you may be discouraged from using a sunscreen at all.

Sunscreens come in different base preparations: creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and ointments. The choice is an individual one; some factors, however, are worth considering.

If an individual has a problem with acne, an alcohol base or one which will not occlude the pores would be the base to choose. (Ombrelle 15 lotion or Presun 15 Facial are suggestions.)

If an individual has dry skin or is using tretinoin (Retin A, Stieva A, Retisol A, Rejuva A, Renova, Vitamin A Acid) which tends to dry the skin, a cream base may be the best choice . (Ombrelle 15, or Photoplex are examples). Retisol A is particularly good because it combines a broad base sunscreen with tretinoin and a moisturizer in a single cream.