What is Broad Spectrum?
Your Sunscreen should definitely say Broad Spectrum- this ensures both UVA and UVB protection. UVA are aging rays that penetrate deep into the skin and break down collagen fibers. UVB are burning rays that affect the outer most layers of the skin.
What Does SPF stand for?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures the amount of time a person can be in the sun before the skin starts to redden or burn.
What is Water resistant & Sweat resistant?
These terms indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when you are swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is fully “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” the FDA prohibits these terms.
Looking for Active Ingredients in Sunscreen
This area is really the most important label on your sunscreen. There are two main types of active sunscreen ingredients: chemical and physical. Chemical ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone, work by absorbing UV, reducing its penetration into the skin, but can also cause free radical damage to the skin. Physical ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide stay on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, giving a “screened” protection. Many sunscreens available today combine chemical and physical ingredients.
