Sunscreen Agents - Topical
Sunscreen Agents *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects
How to Use of This Product
Sunscreen agents are for external use only. These products usually come
with patient directions. Read them carefully before using any product.
In choosing the sunscreen product, you may consider the following:
-
Type of Activity
Take precautions
when you are in places of higher elevations - mountains or on reflective surfaces
- concrete, sand, snow, or water, as these may increase the likelihood of
sun damage to the skin. Use a sunscreen with ultraviolet A/ultraviolet B - UVA/UVB
coverage and with a sun protection factor - SPF of 15 or higher. Activities
that make you sweat, such as outdoor jobs - gardeners, construction workers,
outdoor sports - tennis or exercise, prolonged sunbathing, or watersports
such as swimming, waterskiing, or windsurfing, may result in the removal of
the sunscreen agent from the skin. Use a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen
agent with SPF of 15 or more. When possible, also wear a hat, long-sleeved
shirt, long pants and UV-opaque sunglasses. Wearing UV-opaque sunglasses
when you are in the sun is also necessary because the sun rays can cause cataracts.
-
Age
Do not use sunscreen agents
on infants less than 6 months of age. For children 6 months of age and older,
use a lotion form of sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher. Avoid using alcohol-based
sunscreen products for this age group.
-
Site of application
For the ear
and nose, use a physical sunscreen agent. For the lips, use a gel-based lip
sunscreen or lip balm.
-
Skin condition
If your skin is dry,
use a cream or lotion form of sunscreen agent. If your skin is oily, use an
alcohol or gel-based sunscreen. Avoid using alcohol-based sunscreens on eczematous
or inflamed skin.