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Skin conditions
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More sun protection
Originally Published: May 31, 1996
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Dear Alice, I find choosing among all of the available sunscreens and sunblockers to be very confusing. Of the following three products I am currently using, which one is giving my skin the most protection: sunscreen SPF 30 with UVA, UVB, and IR sun protection; sunblocker SPF 17 with UVA, UVB, and IR sun protection; or, sunblocker SPF 50 with UVA and UVB sun protection? By the way, what is the difference between a sunSCREEN and a sunBLOCKER? Desperately Seeking Protection
Dear Desperately Seeking Protection, The sunblockers will give your skin more protection from the sun than will the sunscreens, regardless of the sun protection factor (SPF) rating. It is hard to say how much more protection you get from SPF 50 versus SPF 17. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends always using at least SPF 15 when out in the sun. Moreover, the ACS states that any lotion with an SPF between 15 and 30 will block out most of the sun's harmful rays. Many people develop rashes and other reactions to lotions with SPF ratings higher than thirty. For this reason, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist before using these highly concentrated lotions. Comparatively, a sunblock provides more complete protection from the sun's harmful rays than a sunscreen can provide. Sunblock is an opaque lotion that blocks out all rays of the sun, and it often contains zinc oxide. Sunscreen blocks out the redness producing rays from the sun. Both are rated according to the amount of protection they provide, from SPF 2 to 30, and higher. Which rays are harmful? The most damaging are the ultraviolet (UV) rays, both types A and B, and the infrared (IR) rays. The difference between UV A and B rays lies in their wavelengths and intensity. As one who spends time in the sun, what you need to know is that both are potentially dangerous to your skin. The less your skin is exposed to UV rays, the more your risk of non- melanoma skin cancer decreases. Sunblocks are more effective at shielding your skin from all of these harmful rays and then some, whereas screens "screen out" the harmful rays while letting others through (so that you can tan). If you are looking to protect your skin as best you can from the sun, which is also your best way of preventing skin cancer, go with the sunblock. Alice outlines other sun protection strategies in Sunscreen: What SPF should I use? You can also call ACS with other specific questions on skin cancer prevention at 800.4.CANCER.
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