Waterproof Sunscreen Facts

Before you hit the beach this spring and summer, slather on some sunscreen. When people wear sunscreen they significantly lower their risks for skin cancer as well as protect themselves against the sun's harsh rays, which can burn the skin. There are many types of sunscreens on the market geared towards a variety of skin types and levels of protection. But for many, the most important thing to be sure of is that a sunscreen is waterproof.

Function: Waterproof Sunscreen

Waterproof sunscreen maintains its indicated level of SPF up to 80 minutes after exposure to water, according to the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF). The level of SPF, or sun protection factor, in a particular sunscreen, is its ability to block the sun's rays. According to the AMF, when a sunscreen has a level of 30, a person is able to stay out in the sun 30 times longer without burning than a person who isn't wearing sunscreen. Since regular sunscreen can wash off and lose its power in water, swimmers and those who participate in extensive physical outdoor activities should usually use waterproof sunscreen.

Time Frame

To obtain the highest potency of waterproof sunscreen, the Melanoma Foundation recommends applying it in the morning and 80 minutes after you have been in the water. In addition, it is recommended that youreapply their waterproof sunscreen if they dry off with a towel and go back into the water later.

Safety Precautions with Waterproof Sunscreen

Waterproof sunscreens should contain coverage against UVA and UVB light as well as have an SPF of 15 or higher in order to protect people in the sun, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. To ensure ultimate protection against the sun, make sure your waterproof sunscreen contains zinc oxide, cinoxate, avobenzone and octyl salicylate--these are all recommended, according to the Academy of Dermatology.

Tanning with Waterproof Sunscreen

Regardless if the waterproof sunscreen you are using has an SPF of 50, it still will not provide a safe way to tan, according to the Academy of Dermatology. This is because the skin tans because of injury it endures due to exposure to UV rays. As a result, when people tan repeatedly, it can speed up the aging process and cause wrinkles and age spots.

Types: Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Sunscreens

Although the names are similar, there is a different between waterproof and water resistant sunscreens. Water resistant sunscreens only provide 40 minutes of protection while someone is in the water. After that, it must be reapplied, according to the AMF.

Resources

• American Melanoma Foundation sunscreen info
• General facts about sunscreen