Sunscreen Research Paper

What do the SPF Numbers on Sunscreen mean? What is the SPF number on the sun screens? The higher the number, the better, right? Before you head out in the sun this summer, you should know a few things about SPF. What is it, exactly? What do the numbers mean, and how high can they go? We use sunscreen to block ultraviolet light from damaging the skin. There are two categories of UV light. The UVA- has more long-term damaging effects on the skin, like premature aging. UVB --causes sunburns. SPF or sun protection factor, numbers were introduced in 1962 to measure a sunscreen's effect against UVB rays. To determine a sunscreen's SPF, testers round up 20 sun-sensitive people and measure the amount of UV rays it takes them to
Instead of letting SPF be your only guide to sun protection, avoid a burn by following a few simple sunscreen rules.
1. Know yourself: If you are whiter than a sheet of paper, if your Aunt Linda has skin cancer, or if you are sensitive to the sun because of a medication or a medical condition, take extra measures. Stay out of the sun as much as possible, wear a hat when you are out, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply that sunscreen often. Don’t put a lot of sun screen on and lay out by the pool.
2. Look for “Broad-spectrum” label: The SPF number indicates protection only against UVB rays -- many sunscreens, even those with a high SPF, allow UVA rays to be absorbed by the skin. UVA protection is usually indicated by a "broad-spectrum" label. Look for this label to ensure the most well-rounded sun coverage. Broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The latest sunscreens boast new chemicals, like Mexoryl, which has proven to be one of the most effective UVA-blockers out