Sunscreens: What Everyone Should Know (NAPSA)—Aspeople pack their bags and head outdoors, many don’t realize that sunscreens contain a diverse group of ingredients which affect the protection, therefore they should read the label before choosing. According to one survey, 40 percent of consumers find overthe-counter drug labels difficult to read. Following are common phrases you might find on a bottle of sunscreen: * Broad Spectrum Protection: The U.S. governmentclassified broad spectrum UVlight as a known human carcinogen. Sunscreens containing both UVB/ UVAfilters offer the most coverage against both types of rays. Combined with antioxidants such as vitamins E and C (STAY-C 50), you can achieve enhanced skin protection against UV-induced free radical damage, which accelerates the aging process. All Day Protection: There is no such thing as sunscreen that provides all day protection. Reapply sunscreen every 11/2 hours. SPF: Always wear products with SPF of at least 15. Also, be aware that SPF indicates the protection against UVB or burning rays and not UVA rays that cause premature skin aging. Look for products that say “Broad Spectrum Protection” to safeguard against both types of UV rays. Water-resistant, Very Water-resistant: No sunscreen is completely water-resistant or very water-resistant. Water-resistant sunscreens protect skin after 40 minutes of water exposure and Knowing how to read a sun- screen label can help protect your skin from sun damage. very water-resistant sunscreens protect skin after 80 minutes of water exposure. It also helps to understand the ingredients in sunscreens and how they protect you: * Parsol 1789, also known as avobenzone, is a unique UVAfilter which protects against the widest range of the UVA spectrum. Parsol 1789 is a UVA absorber, which meansit intercepts dangerous UVA rays before they penetrate the skin. Parsol MCX, widely known as Octinoxate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Ethyhexyl Methoxycinnamate, is one of the most commonly used UVBfilters. It works to block UVB rays that cause sunburn and prematureaging. * Vitamins C (Ascorbic Acid, STAY-C 50) and E (Tocopherol and derivatives) are antioxidants which when combined with UVB/UVAabsorbers, enhance skin protection from UV rays. Understanding how to protect yourself from the sun is the only way to prevent premature skin aging and possibly skin cancer.
