Get the Facts About Sun Protection

Melissa Milrad Goldstein

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The Sun Protection Factor

The Facts: A sunscreen's effectiveness is measured by its sun protection factor (SPF)-a number that indicates how long it would take for UVB light to redden skin versus no protection at all. The SPF number, however; doesn't rate any UVA-shielding benefits-and UVA waves make up 95 percent of the Earth's solar radiation.

The Bottom Line: UVA rays are as dangerous as UVB rays and are present year-round. They penetrate through glass and clouds, and damage skin without leaving a telltale burn behind (but will leave fine lines and wrinkles). Look for a sunscreen with "broad spectrum protection" and scan the ingredient list for FDA-approved UVA guards including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, and oxybenzone.