Sunscreen FAQs

Here are some facts about sunscreen, compliments of the American Academy of Dermatology.

What sunscreen should be used?

It is recommended that sunscreen offering the following be used:

• Broad-spectrum protection (blocks UVA and UVB rays)

• SPF factor of 30 or greater

• Water resistance.

What type of sunscreen should be used?

• Creams are best for dry skin and the face.

• Gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or men’s chests.

• Sticks are good to use around the eyes.

• Sprays are sometimes preferred by parents since they are easy to apply. Make sure to use enough of these products to thoroughly cover all exposed skin. NOTE: Current FDA regulations on testing and standardization do not pertain to spray sunscreens. The agency continues to evaluate these products to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Is a higher SPF rating safer?

• Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

• There is no scientific evidence indicating that sunscreen with an SPF higher than 50 can protect you better than an SPF 50 version.

• High SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs.

What about reapplication?

All sunscreens should be applied approximately every two hours or according to time on the label, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

About Andy Crawford 863 Articles
Andy Crawford has spent nearly his entire career writing about and photographing Louisiana’s hunting and fishing community. While he has written for national publications, even spending four years as a senior writer for B.A.S.S., Crawford never strayed far from the pages of Louisiana Sportsman. Learn more about his work at www.AndyCrawford.Photography.