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For years, sunscreens have blocked UVB rays, the ones that cause skin to burn.  SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings relate to how long it protects skin from UVB.  This form of ultraviolet light is blamed for causing skin cancer, although researchers believe that UVA may play a role in skin cancer too,

When sunscreen makers add Parsol 1789 to a sunscreen's other ingredients that block UVB, it becomes "broad spectrum".  In other words, it absorbs a range of ultraviolet rays instead of only the ones that burn.  "Parsol 1789 is a big advance in sunscreens", says Neil Fenske, a dermatologist and professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine.  "It blocks UVA rays better than any other chemical."

But Parsol 1789 is not the only ingredient that blocks a large amount of UVA.   There are two other products that effectively stop UVA from penetrating skin, but they do so by forming a physical barrier, rather than a chemical one.  Any beach lifeguard is familiar with one of them - zinc oxide.  The war paint-like cream now comes in colors, to make it fun for kids, and some products are even clear.  Titanium dioxide is another effective ingredient against UVA, and some products have a micronized version so it doesn't show. 

Any of those three ingredients on a label - Parsol 1789 (also known as Avobenzone), zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide - signal that the sunscreen offers wide protection from UVA.  But broad spectrum or not, don't expect any sunscreen to give you a broad license to stay in the sun all day, warn dermatologists.  In fact, Fenske calls such a practice "sunscreen abuse".  Even with sunscreen, sun exposure can add up and damage skin.  "They (sunscreens) don't give 100% protection."

He adds that sunscreen can lull people into a false sense of security, making them think it's OK to spend hours in the sun.  Ironically, without sunscreen, if the consequence is a painful burn, people might stay out of the sun more. 

We want you to have fun in the sun.... but we also want you to protect yourself from Today's Damaging Sun!!

Ocean Potion® Sunscreen has always contained Parsol 1789

1) Stay out of the sun during the brightest part of the day (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.).

2) Wear a broad- brimmed hat and coverups.  Use liberal amounts of sunscreen, about an ounce (shot glass) per application.

3) Remember the "Shadow Rule".  If your shadow is longer than you are, it's a good time to play at the beach or poolside. If your shadow is shorter or non- existent, that means the sun is at its highest point, when rays are the strongest.  That's the time to stay out of the sun or seek shade.

4) Don't forget your sunglasses.  Choose them wisely, your eyes need protection too!  Get some that are polarized for the best protection.
See our Ocean Eyes® Polarized Sunglasses

Fun Links:
How Sunscreens Work
How Tanning Works
How Sunburn Works

More Information:
More Sunscreen Facts from University of Maryland Medicine

American Cancer Society

American Academy of Dermatology