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  |  Skin Care  |  Sun safety  |  The sun, sunscreens and you
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The sun, sunscreens and you

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Which SPF is right for you?
Here's an idea of what level of protection you should use, according to skin type:

  • Fair or light-skinned, i.e. if you have freckles; never tan; burn easily; are sensitive to the sun: SPF 25
  • Medium skin, i.e. if you have an olive complexion; are of Mediterranean origin; tan easily: SPF 15
  • Dark skin, i.e. if you are Arab, Asian or African American and tan very easily, start with SPF 15, then adjust down to SPF 6 after tan develops

    The sun is the strongest between 10am and 3pm and even stronger in the summer and closer to the equator. Remember, you don't have to be at the beach to end up with a sunburn - any exposure to the sun makes you vulnerable.

    The best way to completely block the sun is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, clothing and sunglasses.

    Adverse skin reactions
    Certain medications and chemicals can make you sunburn more easily and can provoke other irritations. Before taking any medication, always ask your doctor or pharmacist if the drug can make you photosensitive, making sun exposure a problem.

    Here are some of the drugs that cause sensitivities:

  • Diuretics, such as thiazides
  • Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, or any other antibiotic that has 'floxacin' in its name
  • Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), an acne medication
  • Sulfa drugs, used for urinary tract infections
  • Tetracycline, an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat acne
  • Tretinoin (Retin-A)

    Note: Although alpha-hydroxy acids are not drugs, they will increase your chances of sunburn and skin damage when applied to the skin.

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    This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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