Sunscreen Application
Summer is finally on its way, meaning the
days are getting longer and the temperature is starting to climb. But the
concept of "fun in the sun" can be an oxymoron if necessary
precautions are not taken to fend off the sun's potentially dangerous
ultraviolet radiation.
By now everyone has heard how important
it is to use sunscreen. But which sunscreen product does one choose -- the
no-name brand or a high-end product such as Guinot, which can cost as much
as $40 for a 75 ml tube?
Michelle Albagli, executive director of
the Canadian Dermatology Association, says the SPF factor in a sunscreen is
far more important than the brand name on the bottle. Ms. Albagli recommends
using a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15. However, a sunscreen of
at least 30 should be used if someone plans to spend an extended amount of
time outdoors. "The rule of thumb is, the higher the better," she
says.
Lisa Tant, beauty and style editor at
Chatelaine magazine, says those with sensitive skin should consider high-end
sunscreens despite the cost. "I'm a real believer in sunscreen -- I
think it is absolutely essential. But I wouldn't slather a body sunscreen
all over my face because I'll probably end up with a face full of
zits," she says.
Ms. Tant notes that consumers should look
for such sunscreen ingredients as titanium dioxide or parsol 1789, both of
which will block UVA (ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays). She notes that
higher end sunscreens tend to smell better and embody a finer texture.
"There's nothing worse to me than smelling like a coconut," she
says. "Some products have a different consistency so that you are not
left with blobby grease all over your body. Some have treatment ingredients
in them; some have self-tanners in them -- and you will pay more for
that."
Yet, for those on a tight budget, even
bargain basement sunscreens will get the job done. Ryan Baker, a spokesman
with Health Canada, notes that sunscreens are classified as a drug. That
means all manufacturers selling sunscreens in Canada must submit their
products to Health Canada so that their effectiveness can be verified. Some
manufacturers also submit their sunscreens to the CDA for testing in order
to use that logo on their packaging. Ms. Albagli says that in order to earn
the CDA seal of approval, the sunscreen must be effective; it must have no
(or low) fragrance; it must not clog pores and it cannot contain any
allergy-causing properties.
But just as important as a high SPF
factor is the proper application. Ms. Albagli says most people tend to apply
insufficient quantities of sunscreen and they often miss "important
areas" such as the back of the neck and the tips of the ears. As well,
she says sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to venturing
outside so that the skin can properly absorb it and sunscreen typically
needs to be reapplied every two hours. - National
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