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7 Essential Sunscreen Tips

Choosing the right SPF is only part of the job -- use these sunscreen tips for full protection (8 Photos)

Charles Noe on Jun 9, 2011 at 11:52AM

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The Sun's Rays

Two types of invisible solar radiation reach your skin: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Both can cause sunburn and skin cancer, especially UVB. UVA rays are the biggest cause for early skin aging. Experts recommend a product that blocks both rays. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't yet approved a rating system for UVA protection, but the products that block most UVB also generally block some UVA. According to ConsumerSearch.com, these are best -- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30, No-Ad Sunblock Lotion SPF 45, Blue Lizard Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ and Badger SPF 30 for Face & Body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is also cracking down on sunscreen rules. By 2012 sunscreen companies won’t be able to say they protect against sunburn unless the SPF is 15 or higher. Also, sunscreens with SPF values of 2-14 can be labeled as “broad spectrum,” but can’t claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early aging.

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