Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
every two hours or after swimming or sweating. No matter what it says on the la-
bel, water resistance is limited. And none lasts all day.
MAKING SENSE OF SPF
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and is a measure of how long the protection
will last. Geniuses in lab coats come up with this number by calculating how long
it will take a person to burn without sunscreen and comparing that to how long the
same person takes to burn with sunscreen. Theoretically, a sunscreen with an SPF
of 15 will protect you 15 times longer than if you wore no sunscreen at all.
This might make it sound like the higher the SPF the better, but studies have
not borne that out. The effect diminishes as the number gets higher, and the initial
estimate doesn't take into account the fact that during the day your sunscreen rubs
off, washes off, and sweats off. In fact, it is much safer to choose a lower (and typ-
ically less expensive) SPF (as long as it is at least 15) and apply it more often. The
American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30. And be
sure to choose a product that has broad-spectrum coverage, meaning that it filters
out both UVA and UVB rays.
CHILDREN AND THE SUN
It is best to keep babies under 6 months covered and out of the sun. However, the
American Academy of Pediatrics condones a small amount of sunscreen on vul-
nerable areas, such as the nose and chin, when you have your baby out. Be very
careful to monitor your baby even if he or she is wearing a hat and sitting under
an umbrella. The sun moves. A spot that was shady when you ordered your funnel
cake might be baking by the time you've finished eating it. If your child develops
a rash while using sunscreen, get the baby out of the sun, stop using the sunscreen,
and call your doctor.
With older children, slather liberally and often. Don't make the mistake
of thinking that because you've coated your children in a bazillion-SPF-water-
resistant-all-day-protection-top-of-the-line sunscreen that you don't have to worry
until dinnertime. Reapply and check for redness often. Sunburn can be sneaky.
Children aren't likely to notice the mild discomfort of impending sunburn, espe-
cially when they are having fun. Check them often and get them out of the sun as
soon as you see even slight redness. You don't have to pay extra for special formu-
las made for children. As long as the SPF is at least 30 and offers broad-spectrum
protection, one brand can serve the whole family.
NOT JUST SKIN DEEP
