Know your sunscreen: UVA and UVB

With the o-zone layer depleting and more harmful radiation penetrating the Earth’s atmosphere, it’s important to know your sunscreen and do use it daily if you’re outside more than 20 minutes.

UVB is the cause of most sunburn and cancer but UVA causes premature aging, wrinkling, and can also damage DNA.

Most sunscreens filter UVB though some also filter UVA rays.  Sunblocks provide broad protection against many of the active UVA and UVB through ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide.

SPF indicates the sun protection factor of UVB rays only.

UPF ultraviolet protection factor) rates protection from both types of harmful rays.

Water resistant sunscreens last only half the length of waterproof products, which maintain their SPF for 80 minutes after water exposure.

Enjoy summer safely and choose the shade once in a while!