{"id":1546,"date":"2016-06-29T13:01:56","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T17:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.greatflorida.com\/blog\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2026-04-16T21:05:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T01:05:38","slug":"the-truth-about-sunscreen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2016\/the-truth-about-sunscreen\/","title":{"rendered":"The Truth About Sunscreen"},"content":{"rendered":"

The sun\u2019s rays are strongest during the summer months so it is important to take care of your skin while you enjoy the outdoors.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is crucial to use some sort of sunscreen to protect your skin while out in the strong Florida sun,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent health insurance agency<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The American Academy of Dermatology<\/a> (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen regardless of age, gender or race, everyone can get skin cancer.<\/p>\n

There is a lot of information out there about sunscreen, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n

SPF<\/strong>-Sun Protection Factor, SPF is a product\u2019s ability to block out the sun\u2019s harmful rays. If you use a sunscreen with SPF 15, you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than you can without sunscreen before you sunburn.<\/p>\n

UVA\/UVB<\/strong>-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (FDA) maintains, there is only notable protection up to 50 SPF. Claims with an SPF higher, are most likely false.<\/p>\n

Use of broad spectrum coverage is suggested. This means a product offers ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) and ultraviolet B radiation protection (UVB). UVA rays, aging rays, penetrate deeper into the skin and cause wrinkling. UVB rays, burning rays, are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.<\/p>\n

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Water-resistant\/Waterproof<\/strong>-Water-resistant sunscreen provides 40 minutes of effectiveness in water. Waterproof products offer 80 minutes of protection in water.<\/p>\n

Types of Sunscreen<\/strong>-This is where the subject of sunscreen can be divisive. Doctors and organizations differ on their opinions over the types of sunscreen that are best for you.<\/p>\n

\u201cLotions, oils, gels, spray and sticks- picking the right sunscreen for you and your family is a matter of personal choice,\u201d says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s leading independent healthcare insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n

Mineral-based\/physical sunscreen-<\/em>Commonly referred to as \u201cnatural\u201d and considered more of a sun block. Containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, these products tend to sit on the skin\u2019s surface. Many feel they are messy and they can leave a white or colored film on your skin. \u00a0Manufactures have made some improvements to their products over the years, so it is not true for every mineral based sunscreen. Some, such as Consumer Reports<\/a>, reveal that\u00a0most of these sunscreens do not live up to their SPF claim on the label.<\/p>\n

Chemical sunscreen<\/em>-These products contain ingredients that act as filters to reduce ultraviolet radiation penetration to the skin. They act as chemical absorbers. \u00a0Most popular commercial sunscreens are chemical sunscreens. In a recent report, the Environmental Working Group<\/a> (EWG) warns many products rely heavily on an active ingredient, oxybenzone, a proven hormone disruptor and allergen. Another harmful ingredient is methylisothiazolinone, a proven serious skin allergen. While vitamin A seems good, it can heighten sun sensitivity.<\/p>\n

Sprays are convenient and easy to use but they are currently under review by the FDA<\/a> due to an inhalation risk.<\/p>\n

Some AAD recommendations regarding sunscreen are as follows:<\/p>\n