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Sunscreens

With the damaging effect of CFCs and other gases on the ozone layer it is really important that we protect ourselves from the increased ultra violet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface.

To stay safe in sunlight it is sensible to put on a sunscreen.

Sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF) number.

This number only applies to the UVB (screening) action of the sunscreen. If you are a normal pale skinned person using a sunscreen with a SPF15 you can spend fifteen times longer in the sun before becoming sunburnt than without the sunscreen.

When choosing a sunscreen it is best to use one that has a high SPF factor and both a UVA and UVB block. This is called a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

 
© Keith Gibbs 2008