Ask Dr. Denton: What SPF (Sunblock) should I use?

The temperature hit 102 over the weekend. The Beach came alive with mass humanity. I watched as my future patients skin turned red. It is time for sun block.

PORTSMOUTH, VA. (Catholic Online) - Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings is a measure of the level of protection from the sun. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 filters 92% of the UVB. SPF measures the UVB protection not UVA.

The other confusing fact is that the number and the level of protection does not go up at the same rate. In other words, the protection tops off after SPF 15 and only minimally improves at SPF 30, 50 etc. To my patients I recommend SPF 30 which gives approximately 97% protection and never less than SPF 15.

The American Association of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum sun block. What does that mean?

Broad spectrum means a block that prevents the penetration of both UVA and UVB light. (Ultraviolet light A and B = are the wavelengths of light that cause skin cancer and aging) You know those nasty little brown spots!

Sunblocks are either a chemical block or a physical block. Chemical blocks absorb the light before it can damage the underlying skin and physical blocks reflect the light. A few sunblocks have both properties.

The most common physical blocks are products with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Remember those lifeguards with the white noses .... Zinc oxide. P.S. we've come a long way since then, anybody for pink? These block both UVA and UVB light. I like these blocks because they have been around the longest and they are especially nice for patients with sensitive skin.

Chemical blocks are usually made up of several ingredients because each compound blocks a specific wavelength of light. Most chemical blocks protect our skin from UVB but not UVA. PABA is one of the most commonly used compounds used in chemical blocks.

The chemical blocks with Avobenzone (Parsol) do have UVA protection so look for these. Note ( Sunblocks with the chemical PABA are more commonly associated with skin allergy symptoms. Remember if you're sensitive think Physical blocks!)

How should sunblocks be applied? Sticks, gels, creams, sprays..... all of these are fine. The key is that sunblocks should be applied 15 min. prior to the sun exposure and reapplied every 2 - 3 hours.

Sunblocks that are waterproof should be reapplied in 4 - 5 hours. Remember the waterproof blocks will need to be washed off in the evening so your facial pores don't get blocked = acne!

Water-Resistant sunblocks maintain the SPF level for approximately 40 min. of water immersion. Very Water Resistant sunblocks maintain the SPF protection for 80 min. of water immersion.

So while your in the sun building up your color remember a little exposure equates to a lot of Vitamin D, a lot of sun equates to seeing me...Plastic Surgery. REMEMBER the 3 "P"'s PREPARE PROTECT PREVENT.

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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Weiss' approach to his medical practice flows from his convictions about the meaning of life which are deeply rooted in his Catholic Faith. He and his wife, Michelle strive for an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul. They call this approach "Bella Vitae"... or "Beautiful Living". He is a contributing writer to Catholic Online.

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