- What is the minimum SPF recommended for kids? For adults?
- Are Coppertone® suncare products dermatologist tested?
- What is the difference between UVA rays and UVB rays?
- What is "broad spectrum protection"?
- Do Coppertone® suncare products provide broad spectrum protection?
- Does using sunscreen prevent the body from getting enough vitamin D?
Q: What is the minimum SPF recommended for kids? For adults?
A: For children 6 months of age and older, we recommend sunscreens with an SPF 30 or higher. Babies
under 6 months should be kept out of the sun. Adults of all skin types should use a sunscreen with an SPF of
at least 15.
Q: Are Coppertone® suncare products dermatologist tested?
A: Yes. The Coppertone® program for safety and efficacy involves skin compatibility testing under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Q: What is the difference between UVA rays and UVB rays?
A: UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Our exposure to UVA is more constant than to UVB — we encounter UVA rays no matter what the season or time of day.
UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn, but they also contribute significantly to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
High SPF sunscreen products (those with an SPF higher than 30) are designed primarily to absorb UVB plus the shorter UVA rays.
Q: What is "broad spectrum protection"?
A: The sun's ultraviolet spectrum ranges from 290 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm, with UVB rays at the lower end and UVA rays at the higher end.
Broad spectrum protection refers to sunscreen products that contain ingredients that protect against UVB and UVA rays up to 360 nm or above. Avobenzone
and zinc oxide are the only FDA-approved sunscreen active ingredients that provide broad spectrum protection throughout the entire UVA spectrum.
Q: Do Coppertone® suncare products provide broad spectrum protection?
A: Yes, a number of Coppertone® sunscreens provide broad spectrum protection. Coppertone® sunscreen products that contain
photostabilized avobenzone or zinc oxide provide broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. These include:
- Coppertone® ultraGUARD® Lotion (SPF 15, 30, 50)
- Coppertone® ultraGUARD® QuickCover® Lotion Spray (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® ultraGUARD® Continuous Spray® (SPF 15, 30, 50, 70+)
- Coppertone® KIDS® Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® KIDS® Continuous Spray® (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® KIDS® QuickCover® Lotion Spray (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® Water BABIES® Lotion (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® Water BABIES® QuickCover® Lotion Spray (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® Water BABIES® Stick (SPF 30)
- Coppertone® SPORT® Continuous Spray® (SPF 15, 30, 50)
- Coppertone® SPORT® Lotion (SPF 15, 30, 50)
- Coppertone® SPORT® Faces (SPF 50)
- Coppertone® SPORT® QuickCover® Lotion Spray (SPF 30, 70+)
- Coppertone® Oil Free QuickCover® Lotion Spray (SPF 30, 50)
- Coppertone® Oil Free Lotion (SPF 30, 45)
- Coppertone® Oil Free Faces Lotion (SPF 30)
Q: Does using sunscreen prevent the body from getting enough vitamin D?
A: It takes a very small amount of sun exposure usually achieved through normal daily activity to trigger the body to produce vitamin D. The rest of the time,
it is important to use sunscreen in order to prevent skin cancer and other forms of skin damage.
