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Marcus G. Connelly, MD 

Sunscreen Guide

THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF SUNSCREEN TO APPLY TO EACH BODY SITE TO GET THE SPF FACTOR ON THE LABEL

Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, because most people use a third to half the amount of sunscreen needed to get the rated SPF factor. A simple rule would be to use half a teaspoon each on

  • the Face and neck,
  • Right arm, and
  • Left arm

and a whole teaspoon each on

  • the Chest and stomach,
  • Back,
  • Right leg, and
  • Left leg.

Proper Application of Sunscreen

The SPF rating is based on UVB (causes sunburn and skin cancer) blocking ability. To be broad spectrum, a sunscreen should contain a good UVA (causes wrinkling, mottling and skin cancer) block such as avobenzone(Parasol 1789) which is clear or zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are slightly whitening.

Ombrelle 30 or Solbar 30 PF gel with 3% avobenzone, Solbar Zinc or Vanicream (www.psico.com 1-800-325-9232) SPF35 with 8% microfine zinc oxide and Neutrogena 30 Sensitive Skin (with 9% titanium dioxide) are some of the best products at about $8-10 for 4oz. For the average person any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher properly applied when wearing a broad hat and at least a short sleeve shirt will give reasonable protection, except when out in the sun for long periods of time. Sun sensitive persons with fair skin should wear long sleeves and high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreens.

 


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