What to know when applying sunscreen

After more than a year of pandemic restrictions, people are enjoying a summer outdoors filled with family, local events and long-awaited vacations.

But all that fun in the sun means protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

News 8 has compiled a list of answers to some common sun protection questions:

Yes, the sunscreen is expiring. The FDA requires all sunscreens must have an expiration date. If no label is printed on the bottle, the sunscreen should be considered expired three years after purchase.

When should I apply my sunscreen?

The FDA recommends apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out for maximum benefit. It should be reapplied every two hours, and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.

Even if it is cloudy, sunscreen should always be applied because sun damage is still possible.

What is broad spectrum sunscreen?

The sun produces two types of UV rays. According to the Cleveland Clinic, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA rays cause wrinkles and other signs of aging.

SPF only indicates the UVB protection of a sunscreen, but “broad spectrum” sunscreens protect both UVB and UVA rays.

What does SPF really mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection.

A common misconception about SPF is that the number relates to how long you are in the sun. According to the FDA, the SPF is not directly related to time solar exposure but at amount solar exposure.

Do you need sunscreen if your makeup has SPF?

Caution of doctors that most makeup with SPF does not have adequate UV protection, which means it may be best to apply additional sunscreen before applying makeup.

Can sunscreen be waterproof?

The FDA says that there is no waterproof sunscreen. Sunscreens, however, can be “water resistant”. Any sunscreen labeled “water resistant” must state whether it is effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating.

Can you tan with sunscreen?

Sort of, and it may depend on the sunscreen you use. As mentioned above, UVA rays are responsible for the signs of aging. But they are also responsible for tanning. This means that if you use a sunscreen that is not broad spectrum, you can still get a tan.

Will you get enough vitamin D by wearing sunscreen?

Yes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clinical studies have never shown that using sunscreen leads to insufficient levels of vitamin D.