What to Look for In a Sunscreen

You may screen the movies your kids watch, spend too much time staring at your computer screen, but do you know what to look for in a different type of screen? Sunscreen? Even though it’s easy to reach for just about any bottle of sunscreen that you see on the drugstore shelf, there are a few different considerations you should make before heading to the checkout counter. From ingredients to the SPF number listed on the bottle, this article will list a few things to look for in a sunscreen. Read on to learn more.

Ingredients

When you go to reach for a bottle of sunscreen and stare at the long list of ingredients, you may feel like you’re reading some complicated math equation or list of unknown scientific elements. However, there are a few ingredients that you should familiarize yourself with— including zinc and titanium dioxide. Both zinc and titanium dioxide are all-natural ingredients that add another layer of protection to your skin— shielding it from both UVA and UVB rays.

Water and Sweat Resistance

Another thing to look for when shopping for a sunscreen is one that is both water and sweat resistant— especially if you are planning on spending any time outside. Just remember that even though your sunscreen is sweat and water resistant, you still need to be reapplying it every two to three hours on average.

The SPF Number

When you are shopping for a sunscreen, the first thing you likely notice is the SPF number listed on the bottle. But do you know what that means? The SPF number just shows how much more protection it is going to offer you than without any protection. For instance, an SPF 30 sunscreen will give you 30 more times the protection against the sun than without sunscreen.

Shopping for a sunscreen doesn’t have to be difficult but with these helpful tips. To learn more about what to look for in your sunscreen or to schedule an appointment, contact Gwinnet Dermatology today.