How long does it take for sunblock/sunscreen to wear off?

Question

Like, assuming you're not doing anything like swimming or whatever that might make it wear off quicker, how often should you reapply to make sure you're protected all the time?

Answer 1

For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. Be sure to:

* Use sunscreen whenever you will be in the sun.
* Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don't forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as your child moves).
* Don't try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; as a guide, apply the sunscreen generously.
* Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after sweating or swimming.
* Apply a waterproof sunscreen if you will be around water or will go swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays, so you need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat- and rub-proof. But, regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.

Keep in mind that everyone needs extra sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all children - regardless of their skin tone - wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, remember that tanning is also a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned people can also develop painful sunburns.
Purchase Protective Eyewear for Kids

Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. Even 1 day in the sun can result in a burned cornea (the outermost, clear membrane layer of the eye). Cumulative exposure can lead to cataracts later in life (clouding of the eye lens, which results in blindness). The best way to protect eyes is to wear sunglasses.

Not all sunglasses provide the same level of ultraviolet protection; darkened plastic or glass lenses without special UV filters just trick the eyes into a false sense of safety. Purchase sunglasses with labels ensuring that they provide 100% UV protection.

Some medications increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. As a result, even kids with skin that tends not to burn easily can develop a severe sunburn in just minutes when taking certain medications. Fair-skinned children, of course, are even more vulnerable. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the prescription (especially antibiotics and acne medications) and over-the-counter medications your taking can increase sun sensitivity. If so, always take extra sun precautions. The best protection is simply covering up or staying indoors; even sunscreen can't always protect skin from sun sensitivity caused by medications.

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

* UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.
* UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.
* UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

What's important is to protect yourself from exposure to UVA and UVB, the rays that cause skin damage.

Answer 2

Uh it depends on the type of sunscreen...you should check the bottle...most sunscreens last about 4-8 hours.!

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

If you are just suntanning I would say every hour to 90 Min's, if you exercising really hard every half hour.

Answer 5

read the back of the bottle

Answer 6

if you sweat alot apply more often..

Answer 7

it depends on wat SPF it is..