32 2015 Marine Environment Issue USODA.org

USODA Gulf Coast. Photographer: Tack N Gybe Photography

by Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN

Equipment

What is the Best Sunscreen for Your Sai lor?

Maryellen Maguire-Eisen RN, MSN, from the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, educates us on sun protection from the harmful rays.

Parents often query me about recom-mendations on the “best” sunscreen to buy for their child. Some of these parents are aware that the UV rays reflect off the water and significantly impact the dose of UV radiation expo-sure. I never take this question lightly, because this recommendation can impact both compliance and safety.

Sunscreen Selection There are three important pieces of information on the sunscreen product display label. Look for Broad Spec-trum, Water Resistant, and SPF claims. The Food and Drug Administra-tion (FDA) regulations on sunscreen labeling require manufacturers to substantiate claims. For example, a broad spectrum claim requires laboratory test-ing that shows protection against 90% of UVA (tanning/aging rays) and 93% of UVB (burning rays). Water resistant claims provide a clear time frame of protection, 40 minutes, for instance. SPF claims require that the sunscreen provides a proportionate degree of pro-tection against UVA and UVB. Higher SPF ratings provide greater protection against both forms of UV radiation known to cause skin cancer.

Sunscreens are creams, lotions, gels, sprays, sticks, and powders. Boys usu-ally prefer gels and lotions while girls prefer creams. Sprays have gained pop-ularity, probably because of the ease of application, but have a downside because of the risk of inhaling them.

Sport formulations and stick balms are great for boaters because they usu-ally stay in place when sweating. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, physical blockers, are often recommended for children because they work quickly and do not penetrate the skin. That said, the FDA has added a warning in the Drug Fact Box for all sunscreens stating, “do not use on damaged or broken skin.”

Sunscreen may vary dramatically in price yet offer the same degree of protection and cosmetic appeal. Parents can check out Consumer Report’s sunscreen issue for product reviews including Best Sunscreens rated for price and protection.

Proper Use Despite the thousands of excellent sunscreen products available, half of all American children are reported to experience a sunburn each year. This is likely due to application errors and lack of understanding. Because the FDA guidelines simply recommend the terminology ‘apply generously’ or ‘liberally’, most people do not apply adequate amounts of sunscreen. Chil-dren’s Melanoma Prevention Founda-tion advises children to use a handful of sunscreen per application. This is the proper dose or amount needed to cover the entire body surface when wearing a bathing suit. A rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Since sunscreen filters or

absorbs UV rays, the higher the UV intensity the faster sunscreen will dis-sipate off the skin. If used properly, a boater would need at least one tube or four-ounces of sunscreen for one day on the water.

Practical Tips Read your sunscreen label, front and back.

Use the BEENS acronym to help remember commonly missed areas when applying sunscreen: Back of Knees, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Scalp.

Keep sunscreen out of excessive heat or direct sunlight by placing them in a shaded area or a cooler.

Check out the Environmental Work-ing Group app for sunscreen active and inactive ingredients.

Get a free UV app or UV meter and learn about UV intensity variability.

Wear sun protection clothing, with a UPF Factor >50+.

Always wear sunglasses to protect your inner and outer eye.