Save Your Skin: Sun Protection

Protection with Staying Power

First, a few sunscreen facts: Sun protection factor (SPF) lets you know how long you can expose your protected skin to UVB waves (the sun's burning rays) without getting sunburned. But that rating, introduced around 30 years ago, does not address UVA damage. As Los Angeles dermatologist Joshua Wieder explains, "Both waves have acute and chronic symptoms. UVB is a short wave that burns and UVA is a long wave that penetrates deeper and causes the skin problems that sneak up on you -- dryness, wrinkles, color changes." Of course, both rays contribute to skin cancer. In the absence of a standardized system for measuring UVA protection, look for the term "broad spectrum," which means that the product protects against UVA and UVB. Broad spectrum ingredients can be physical, such as zinc or titanium dioxide, or chemical, usually avobenzone, also known as Parsol 1789, which is stabilized by Mexoryl or Helioplex to provide better protection against the UV spectrum. Suncare experts have now figured out how to make it last longer than before.

Sunscreen has been worked into every type of facial cream, including the anti-wrinkle variety. Even gradual self-tanners, which were such a hit last year, have been given an SPF boost. Pick your perfect tone out of the light, medium, and dark shades and watch your "tan" develop over a couple of days, all while having the extra security of SPF.

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 70, $9.99
• Banana Boat Sun Wear Faces Daily Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $6.79
• Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 55, $8.99
• Nivea Visage Sun-Kissed Facial Moisturizer with SPF, $6.99
• Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer SPF 20, $8
• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Daily Regenerating Moisture Lotion with SPF 15, $12.99