Could Your Sunscreen Be Damaging To Your Skin?

Summer's here and while you're ready to enjoy the sun, sand and surf, make sure that you are well protected by a good sunscreen that meets the criteria of the American Academy of Dermatology, or else you could just be throwing away money for something that doesn't work and could be damaging to your health.

What does the AAD suggest when you buy sunscreens?

In the online journal, JAMA Dermatology, a team of dermatologists looked into the most highly rated sunscreens by consumers using the Kruskal-Wallis test as their criteria for effectiveness. The guidelines include the sunscreen having a minimum SPF of 30.

From this criteria, 26 of the 64 products, which comprise 40 percent of the total products tested, failed to follow the guidelines because such high SPF lacked resistance to water and sweat.

These products received high ratings because they were "cosmetically elegant" according to the report. Consumers cited how the products felt upon contact with skin, color, and scent as the positive features.

The AAD advises consumers to be more cautious when purchasing sunblock. The best way to be sure is to consult dermatologists before going to online reviews when choosing their products.

Consumers should remember that the primary reason for buying sunscreens is for protection against skin cancer. Sunscreens work by filtering dangerous rays so that the deeper layers of the skin would be protected from most of them.

The main ingredients of sunscreens include titanium and zinc oxide to reflect the sun's UV rays. Along with these inorganic particles, they may also have organic particles that aborb UV rays to be released as heat.

After determining the SPF, you should also look at the label if it is a "broad-spectrum" sunblock, which will protect you from all types of UV rays that can damage your skin. And while there is no waterproof product, water-resistant products should last 40 to 80 minutes.

You should also take note how long you can stay in the sun before being burned. Also, always re-apply sunscreens after swimming.