How to Choose a Sunscreen

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-choose-a-sunscreen.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Sep 15, 2000 9:16 am

filed under: True Beauty, Skin Care

5 comments

Adapted from “Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin” by Pierre Jean Cousin (Storey Books, 2001).

Here is the first chart we have ever run across that tells us what SPF protection we need depending on our skin type. Now you can find out which sunscreen to use if you are a slightly dark African-American, or an African-American with darker skin, or how to prevent burning if you are fair with a moderate amount of freckling, as opposed to fair with a light tan.

We are all so different: prevent premature aging, wrinkling, and drying skin by finding out which SPF is best for you.

People burn at different rates, even within the same skin type, so you must decide if you are more or less sensitive to sun exposure and take appropriate measures.

To be on the safe side, always reduce by half the stated protection on any product (for instance, if a product says it has an SPF of 8, only count on its being a 4. If you need an 8, get a 16.)

This chart will give you the recommended SPF for your skin color.

Albino.Tan type: none. Red sunburn with pain, swelling and peeling. SPF 50.

White.Tan type: as above. Great risk of freckles. SPF 50.

Fair.Tan type: very light after minor pink or red burns. Some risk of freckles. SPF 30.

Fair.Tan type: light. Slight risk of freckles. SPF 30.

Slightly dark.Tan type: dark. SPF 30.

Slightly dark.Tan type: dark, with less risk of sunburn. SPF 15-20.

Dark.Tan type: very dark. SPF 8-15

Black.Tan type: black. SPF 8.

More on Skin Care (271 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3247 articles available)

5 comments

Go to the Source

Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin

48 recipes for masks, cleansers, toners and lotions using fruit, herbs, and other nourishing ingredients.buy now

Swimmers’ sunscreen kills coral

(6 comments)
Safe Sunscreens

(9 comments)
Schooled in Sunscreen

(60 comments)

5 comments

add your comment »

5 comments add your comment

Christa Swanson says
Jan 15, 2009 11:56 AM

Dr. Joe Mercola has said that most sunscreens are actually bad for you. Please check out his website. There are some natural sunscreens available.

send green star

Jodi S B. says
Dec 26, 2008 11:01 AM

I have read that the ingredients in sun blocks have been found to cause some kind of bacterial over growth in coral reefs that enables it to be bleached a lot faster. So many millions of people use sun blocks and go swim in the oceans. The chemicals are effecting sea life.

send green star

Caralien S. says
Jul 15, 2008 6:18 AM

The ewg/cosmetics safety database has an excellent review of sunscreens, their components, what works and what doesn't: http://www.ewg.org/node/26802

send green star

Jan Sadauskas says
May 30, 2008 9:33 PM

I heard that some ingredient in sun screen actually causes cancer.

send green star

Kari Dyrdahl says
May 17, 2007 2:41 PM

Thanks for the tip Annie!

send green star

Please enter your comment.

Or, log in with your
Facebook account:

who's talking about this story?

Trackback URL

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

769