Backpacking Tip: What to Look for in Sunscreen

Sunburns are one of the most common souvenirs from Costa Rica. The combination of beautiful beaches & strong sun leaves many students wishing they had listened to their instructors and reapplied sunscreen.

All sunscreens are not the same, so here are some tips to optimize your protection from the sun. To know what to look for in sunscreen, you first have to understand how sunscreen protects our skin from the sun.

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to protection against UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays. The higher the SPF, the better protection. In labs, SPF 15 absorbs 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 absorbs 97%, and SPF 45 absorbs 98%. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30. You may feel that the higher SPF’s are greasy & heavy.

SPF shouldn’t be your only guideline in choosing a sunscreen, here are some more tips to avoid sunburns:

• Protect against UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays. They are both damaging, but SPF refers only to protection from UVB. To get protection from UVA rays (which cause wrinkles & other long term affects), make sure to pick a sunscreen that mentions UVA protection or broad spectrum protection. Sunscreens that contain more than 4% zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and ecamsule offer the best UVA protection.
• If you will be in the water, or even sweating, make sure to wear waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen. Waterproof sunscreen provides 80 minutes of protection in the water, water-resistant sunscreen provides 40 minutes of protection.
• Use generous amounts of sunscreen. Most people don’t put on enough sunscreen, so they aren’t getting the full SPF factor. You should use an ounce of sunscreen (a full shotglass) for your whole body.
• Think about what skin will be exposed for the activity you will be doing. For example, your shoulders and thighs will be at risk when rafting.
• Make every effort to apply sunscreen before sun exposure, and make sure your skin is dry so that the sunscreen will fully absorb.
• Reapply sunscreen as often as every 2 hours. Try to avoid putting sunscreen on sweaty skin, spend some time in the shade to cool off before reapplying.
• UV radiation increases 4% per 1,000 ft. of elevation- so be sure to wear sunscreen when at high altitudes.
• Don’t use sunscreen more than 3 years old- it loses its effectiveness.

« Table of Contents • Exotic Fruits of Costa Rica »