Sunscreens help to prevent sunburn and reduce the harmful effects of the sun such as premature skin aging and skin cancer.
Sunscreens come in cream, lotion, gel, stick, spray, and lip balm. They are for external use only; do not swallow them. Sunscreens should be applied between 30 minutes and 2 hours before sun exposure. In general, they should be reapplied after every 80 minutes spent in the water or perspiring heavily or every 2 hours spent out of the water. Follow the directions on the label carefully, and ask your pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor about which sunscreen product to use. The choice depends on your sunburn and tanning history, skin type, use of other medications, and reasons for using a sunscreen. You want a product with the appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) for you. In most cases, an SPF of greater than 30 is not necessary and is not recommended.
If you are using a sunscreen to prevent drug-induced photosensitivity reactions or to prevent ultraviolet-induced disorders, choose a broad-spectrum product. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
If you will be swimming or sweating heavily, choose a sunscreen that is labeled waterproof or very water resistant.
Talk to your doctor before using a sunscreen on an infant less than 6 months old. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF (e.g., 30) in children older than 6 months.
Sunscreens should be applied liberally to all exposed areas. The average adult in a bathing suit should apply 9 half-teaspoon size portions as follows:
- Face and neck: 1 half-teaspoon portion
- Arms and shoulders: 1 half-teaspoon portion to each arm
- Torso: 1 half-teaspoon portion each to front and back
- Legs and top of feet: 2 half-teaspoon portions to each leg
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