Tip of the Week

Sunscreen Savvy

Before you head out to enjoy some sunshine, make sure your sunscreen's up to snuff.

Many sunscreens block or deflect only UVB rays, the rays that cause burning. But you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also protects you from UVA rays, the rays that cause skin to age prematurely. To adequately protect the skin you're in, slather on one of the new, more effective sun protection products on the market that has Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide--which now comes in a transparent formulation--listed in the ingredients.

You also may find broad-spectrum sunscreens listed as benzophenones, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone. For maximum solar shielding, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher--and buy a fresh supply every season, because the chemicals that give sunscreen its sun-protection power decompose over time.

Though sunscreen should still be an integral part of any sun-safety plan, it's no substitute for sensible sun behavior. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before venturing outdoors, and reapply after swimming or sweating. And remember that overexposure, particularly during peak sun time--10 A.M. to 4 P.M.--can lead to harmful skin conditions.

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