CONSUMER

Which sunscreen is right for you? Making sense of confusing label lingo

Jun 26, 2018, 5:11 PM | Updated: Feb 7, 2023, 11:20 am

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Ahh, summer! Being outside, running around, swimming, splashing and sunscreen by the boatload.

“A lot of sunscreen,” agreed mom Erika Beeson while at the Liberty Park splash pad with her kids. “We’ve got three kids so we go through quite a bit.”

How do you know you have the right sunscreen?

Beeson said she looks for the highest SPF.

“Anything higher than 55 SPF and then we’re good to go,” she said.

SPF AND BROAD SPECTRUM

While SPF, or sun protection factor, is great, Huntsman Cancer Institute dermatologist Dr. Douglas Grossman says it only means protection against sunburn causing Ultraviolet B, or UVB, rays. SPF means nothing for Ultraviolet A, or UVA, rays.

“Those longer wavelengths (UVA) can promote aging, changes associated with the aging in the skin and we know they’re important causes of cancer, particularly, melanoma,” explained Grossman.

He says the sunscreen you buy should be labeled “Broad Spectrum.” A broad spectrum sunscreen has to prove to the FDA that it blocks both UVB and UVA rays.

“You really want broad protection against all the wavelengths of UV,” said Grossman.

Still, Dr. Grossman recommends buying sunscreens with higher SPF numbers as well.

“We know that patients generally don’t apply enough sunscreen, or don’t apply it properly. So, the higher factor, it’s more likely you’re going to get protection,” Grossman said.

WATER RESISTANT

“Water resistant” on a sunscreen label means the FDA confirms a sunscreen stays effective in the water for 40 minutes, or 80 minutes for products labeled “very water resistant.”

Reapply after that, because sweat and water will still wash that protection away.

“If you’re swimming, sweating, toweling off,” explained Grossman, “you’re probably removing the product. Then you need to reapply it.

Many sunscreens tout the word, “sport.” But, what does “sport” mean?

“When I think of sport, I think of something you can wear when you’re sweating a lot, so it’s probably more water resistant than others,” said mom Natalie Bate.

That might be true, but not necessarily. The FDA doesn’t actually regulate or define what “sport” means.

MINERAL

And there is also no rule for the word “mineral.”

“I tell patients there are basically two types of sunscreens,” explained Grossman. “There are chemical sunscreens and there are mineral sunscreens.”

One key difference is the active ingredients. There are over 30 ingredients a chemical sunscreen will use to absorb UV rays and prevent them from penetrating deeper into the skin.

“The mineral sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and they work by reflecting the whole UV spectrum,” said Grossman. “Because they’re reflecting the UV rays instead of absorbing, they generally don’t wear off.”

There is a caveat to mineral sunscreens.

“A lot of people don’t like these because they leave a white film,” Grossman said.

Whether you choose chemical or mineral, no sunscreen blocks all ultraviolet rays.

“The sunscreen is only part of a sun protection strategy,” reminded Grossman.

GO BEYOND SUNSCREEN

He recommends you add a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing. And avoid the sun in the afternoon during its peak exposure time.

“A big misconception is, ‘Hey, the skin looks good the day after sun exposure!’” Grossman said. “Just because you don’t get a sunburn doesn’t mean you’re not incurring damage.”

“The changes from UV exposure usually takes 20 to 30 years before you see the chronic wrinkling of the skin; also for the development of skin cancer,” said Grossman. “You actually can’t see that damage. It doesn’t manifest itself until many years later.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Consumer

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

13 hours ago

Costco's food court and its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo meal....

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

Why Costco’s hot dog is still $1.50 when everything has gotten so expensive

Inflation has touched nearly everything these last few years, but Costco is holding the line on its hot dog-soda combo price.

23 hours ago

FILE - An airplane flies through the clouds in Salt Lake City. (Jeffrey D. Allred / Deseret News)...

Matt Gephardt

How recent airline incidents are changing habits and impacting airfare costs

After a year of headlines lamenting runway incursions and midair close calls, the wheels may be coming off for the airline industry. Literally.

2 days ago

FILE - A McDonald's restaurant is seen, Feb. 14, 2018, in Ridgeland, Miss. McDonald's plans to elim...

Ramishah Maruf, CNN

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonald’s

McDonald’s customers can soon pair Krispy Kreme doughnuts with their morning McCafe,

2 days ago

FILE: A ground crew prepares to unload luggage from an arriving Delta Airlines flight at the Seattl...

Associated Press

Delta flight returns to Salt Lake City after a panel fell off during takeoff

A Delta flight over the weekend was cut short after a panel behind one of the engines fell off the plane.

2 days ago

A Davis County employee conduction a diesel inspection....

Mike Anderson

Program to clean up diesel polluters in Utah is not being used

Davis County health officials said a program that fixes diesel vehicles with removed or tampered emissions controls is not being used.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Which sunscreen is right for you? Making sense of confusing label lingo