Dioxybenzone

Here are some of the terms you'll find on sunscreen labels this summer, plus safety tips on how to enjoy the sun safely:

SPF: The Sun Protection Factor indicates how long you can stay in the sun without having your skin turning red. If you usually turn red after 30 minutes in the sun, an SPF 15 product, used properly, should protect you for 71/2 hours. SPF measures protection against UVB rays only.

UVB: Ultraviolet B rays are the chief cause of sunburn, as well as premature wrinkling and skin cancer. UVA: This form of ultraviolet light, with wavelengths longer than UVBs, once was thought to be less damaging. But recent research shows UVA also causes wrinkling and perhaps skin cancer. UVA screens: There are many kinds of UVA protectors. Some of the most common ingredients are titanium dioxide; zinc oxide; dioxybenzone; oxybenzone; octyl (ethylhexyl) methoxycinnamate; sulisobenzone; avobenzone. PABA-free: PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, is a highly effective sunscreen, once commonly used. Some people had allergic reactions to it, and many manufacturers have stopped using it. Some dermatologists say such allergies are rare and still recommend PABA. Waterproof: Indicates that a sunscreen's effectiveness remains after 80 minutes in the water. Water-resistant: Means the product remains fully effective after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreen: A term for products that absorb or block UV rays with chemicals or minerals. Sunblock: A product that works by physically blocking the ultraviolet rays. Sunblocks also should have at least an SPF 12. The most common block is titanium dioxide, a mineral. Tips for sun safety: Minimize exposure to sun between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wear protective clothing against the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, more often if you go into the water or sweat a lot. The average adult should use 1 ounce of sunscreen per total body application. Dermatologists urge parents to start children early in good sun protection habits. Children should assume sunscreen goes on any time they go in the sun, much as they brush their teeth at bedtime.

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