The Importance of Sunscreen
By Renee Shelton

Everyone knows sunsreen is imporant. It protects against sunburn, skin cancers, and can help prevent premature aging due to the sun. And the more you remember to pack it in your beach bag, the more of a 'habit' it becomes, and the more you use it. Also, using it around and ON the kids will not only protect them from all of the above, it will get them into the habit themselves, thereby helping them make better choices in the future.

Here is information about sunscreens and sun protection from The Skin Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to the reduction of skin cancers.

• What does SPF stand for?
  It stand for 'Sun Protection Factor.' It is a measure by how long it provides protection for your skin.
  


• What is a broad spectrum sunscreen?
  It provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  


• How much should be used?
  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you need to lather up on the beach should be putting a shot glass full (two tablespoonfuls) amount on their skin to get the full effect specified on the bottle, that is first put on a half an hour before beach time, and a reapplication every two hours or every time you towel dry from swimming or sweating. So, during a full day, each person should be using a quarter to a half bottle of an 8-oz bottle of sunscreen.
  


• Which sunscreen to use?
  Minimum SPF 15 or greater, broad spectrum type. Use a waterproof SPF 30 plus for extended outdoor activities.
  


• What does UPF stand for?
  This is the 'Ultraviolet Protection Factor,' and is used in clothing to gauge how will it protects against UV radiation. For example, if you see a label indicating it has a UPF of 50, it will allow only 1/50th of the sun's ultraviolet rays to pass through the fabric. The best UPF clothing are made from tightly woven fabrics.

This was first published April 4, 2011.