Dermatology Association Sunscreen Requirements

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises that everyone should use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or greater and waterproof or water-resistant all year long, especially if you are in the sun longer than 20 minutes. Sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet rays produced by the sun which causes sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. Knowing the proper sunscreen requirements can help you purchase the best sunscreen.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

A sunscreen with broad-spectrum protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVA rays can penetrate the base of the skin causing age spots and wrinkles. UVB rays are actually the rays of the sun which can cause sunburn. Constant exposure to both rays can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen that contains certain ingredients ensures that the product provides broad-spectrum coverage: Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Ecamsule, Menthyl anthranilate, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl salicylate, Oxybenzone, Sulisobenzone, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide.

SPF 30 or Higher

A SPF sunscreen's (sun protection factor) rating is determined by the amount of time it takes for protected skin to burn in the sun compared to the amount of time it takes for unprotected skin to burn in the sun. An SPF of 30 filters 97 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF of 15 filters 93 percent of UVB rays. Even with this amount of filtering, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours because it can rub off.

Water-Resistance

Sunscreens come in two types: waterproof and water-resistant, which maintains protection from the sun while you sweat, swim or play water sports. Waterproof sunscreens keep its SPF rating for 80 minutes of water exposure, while water-resistant sunscreens keep its SPF rating for 40 minutes of water exposure. Sunscreen must be reapplied after heavy sweating or swimming.