The spectrum of solar radiation includes both visible light and an invisible light, which cannot be seen, known as ultraviolet radiation. The sun's ultraviolet rays are divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. Until recently, UVB rays considered the only form of radiation to cause skin damage such as sunburn, wrinkling and premature aging. Research indicates that UVA contributes to skin damage including pre-cancerous changes.

More UVA rays reach the earth's surface than do UVB rays and UVA rays outnumber UVB rays by a ratio of 9 to 1. In addition, UVA rays do not undergo seasonal and daily changes as do UVB rays, so human skin is exposed to continuous UVA radiation. UVA also penetrates more deeply into the skin, directly to the dermis.

"Sunblock" is term generally used to describe higher SPF (15,30) products. No product is a total Sunblock, which is why tanning still occurs with a SPF 15. Products with SPF values on the labels contain sunscreen ingredients and are all technically classified as sunscreens.

The length of time you can stay in the sun while wearing a SPF 15 products depends upon your skin's sensitivity to burning. The SPF does not specifically relate to minutes or hours of exposure, but rather expresses a multiplication factor for length of protection in the sun according to your skin type. For example, if your skin normally burns after fifteen minutes of sun exposure, wearing a SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun for three hours and forty-five minutes (fifteen times longer) Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.

Yes. Although a SPF 15 is effective in providing sun protection, some people require greater levels of protection. High SPF products block more UVB and UVA rays which penetrate the skin deeply, and are relatively consistent year round. UVA can contribute to premature aging, wrinkling and pre-cancerous changes. These products also provide protection for longer periods of time (for those who work outside or participate in prolonged outdoor activities.) Many dermatologists recommend regular use of a high SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn and reduce the amount of sun damage caused by unprotected exposure. Research estimates that regular use of highly protective sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) for the first 18 years of life could reduce the incidence of certain types of pre-cancerous changes by nearly 80%.

Some people develop an allergic reaction to sunscreens with PABA. Therefore, an individual with a history of allergic responses to PABA may want to use a PABA free product.

Yes. Sunlight penetrates clouds. Daylight gets through and so do 70-80 percent of the sun's damaging rays. In fact, many people get the worst burn of their lives on cloudy days because they have not used sunscreens.

The labeled claim water-resistant or very water-resistant mean that the product will maintain it s category of SPF protection for a specific amount of time in the water. Water- resistant products must maintain their effectiveness for at least 40 minutes in the water. Very water-resistant products must do so for at least 80 minutes in the water. Waterproof is the same as very water-resistant , which means the product will stay on for at least 80 minutes in the water.

Special sunscreens allow outdoor fitness enthusiasts-golfers, tennis players or runners, to enjoy outdoor activities without their sunscreen running into their eyes and stinging. The formula is quickly absorbed into the skin, making it a solution to sports that require a good grip. (Tennis, golf)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five individuals will develop skin cancer during his/her lifetime. Last year over 1.0 Million new cases of skin cancer in the United States, will be diagnosed afflicting more people than all other cancers combined. Additional leisure time and the popularity of outdoor recreation are probably responsible for the increased incidence of skin cancer.

Yes. Skin damaging UVA rays maintain a relatively consistent strength throughout the year. UVB rays vary in intensity from season to season. Even in the same location, UVB rays will be stronger in the summer than in the winter. However, it is important to use sunscreen in the winter, especially near highly reflective surfaces such as snow. The sun reflected off of snow causes even more burning rays to reach the skin, in addition to those coming directly from the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is highly recommended for winter sports such as skiing.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Malignant Melanoma

Those individuals whose jobs keep them in the sun daily have an increased risk of developing certain types of skin cancer. It is also prevalent among people with fair skin and people of any skin type who allow themselves considerable exposure to the sun. Especially sensitive are those with blond, red or light brown hair, and blue, green or gray eyes. These people tend to have freckles and sunburn easily. Skin cancer may also tend to run in families. Liberal and regular use of sunscreen can help reduce the chance of skin cancer occurring.

According to the US Environmental protection Agency, a 5 % decrease in the ozone layer could increase UV radiation by about 10 %, which in turn could increase the incidence of skin cancer by as much as 20 % within the next two decades.

Most people are concerned about the damage caused by direct solar exposure from sunbathing or intense periods of exposure. However, dermatologists recognize that incidental sun exposure from activities such as jogging, walking, and gardening is cumulative and can cause significant skin damage. This is why dermatologists recommend year round sunscreen protection.