It may have taken decades, but it seems that more and more people are realizing the importance of protecting their skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. Applying sunscreen is the most important part of any skincare routine, and products with SPF will be the best option for achieving sun protection and maintaining healthy skin (in addition to protective clothing and hats). While we know the term SPF, do we really know what it means?how much should we apply?Which sunscreen innovations are worth buying?Does the number on the bottle really matter?Next, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Annaguanche and Dr. Bradley Glodny will explain exactly what SPF is, why we need it, and how to use it effectively.
Deciphering Sunscreen Terminology
SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor,”which is a measure of how long a sunscreen can protect you from UV rays,” says Guanche. “For example, using SPF 30 means that your skin will be sunburned for 30 times longer than it would if you didn’t use sunscreen. This is a carefully measured number that requires a laboratory test of what we call MED (Minimum Erythema Dose).”
Sunscreen
“SPF” is often used interchangeably with “sunscreen,” which is a bit of a misnomer. Sunscreen is a tangible lotion or formula that is applied to the skin. You may remember this kind of stuff as a thick white lotion that your parents applied to your skin before you went to the beach as a child, a habit that hopefully stayed with you for years. Just like long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed straw hats, and beach umbrellas, sunscreen is a highly effective way to protect our skin from potential sun damage. “Sunscreens are used to help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s safe for all skin types and ethnicities,” Guanche says.
Broad spectrum
This is the label applied to sunscreen formulations that provide both UVB* and * UVA protection. “Broad spectrum protects against both UVB and UVA rays,” while SPF that is not labeled as broad spectrum only protects against UVB rays, explains. “UVB can cause skin burns, while UVA can cause photoaging, such as wrinkles, collagen loss, and promote the formation of brown spots (freckles) on the skin. Guanche is a fan of Elta MD UV Clear, Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($39), a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also comes with a range of additional benefits,”such as niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps reduce redness,” hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture within the skin, and vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, reducing the formation of free radicals and subsequent skin damage,” she says.
Waterproofing
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the waterproof label on the sunscreen bottle means that the sunscreen will remain effective despite up to 40 minutes of swimming or sweating profusely. At the same time, the “very waterproof” label means that the sunscreen will remain effective after up to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating profusely.
Coral reef safety
Some environmental scientists speculate that chemical sunscreens may adversely affect the health of oceans and coral reefs. That being said, more research is needed to prove this hypothesis. At the same time, if you want to be on the safe side, sunscreens labeled “reef safe” do not contain any ingredients that can cause coral reef bleaching.
Chemical sunscreens vs. mineral sunscreens
While any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all, there are a variety of these products that vary in the appearance of the active ingredients used and application. In short, both formulas are effective, and you can choose according to your personal preference, but physical sunscreens work by blocking the sun’s rays, and chemical sunscreens work by absorbing light.
- Physical sunscreens:”Physical sunscreens contain mineral components such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients work by blocking and dispersing UV rays before they penetrate the skin. Guanche said. Mineral sunscreens are known to often leave white or gray marks on the skin and are often a bit thinner than alternatives, which can make it feel a little difficult to apply.
- Chemical sunscreens:”Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain ingredients such as avobenzone and occinyl salicyl, which can absorb UV rays before they damage the skin,” Guanche noted.
What SPF Level Should You Use?
Products with an SPF value below 15 are considered low, while products with an SPF of 15 to 29 are considered medium. According to Ganche, products with an SPF value between 30 and 49 provide high protection, while products with an SPF of 50 or more are considered “very high protection.” “When used correctly,50 should block 99% of UV rays,” she explains.
Is SPF 15 Enough?
SPF 15 is a low-protection sunscreen that protects untanned skin from UV rays for up to 15 times longer than unsunscreened skin. In general, Glodny does not recommend using SPF 15 alone, especially if used incorrectly. “Many people don’t apply enough sunscreen to actually achieve the SPF value described on the bottle. In addition, repainting is a very important concept, but people often fail to implement it often,” he said.
Most People Should Use at Least SPF 30
For most people who are not at high risk of skin cancer, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using products that are waterproof, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Is a Higher SPF Better?
Even if you use SPF 30, keep in mind that to get that level of sun protection, you’ll need to apply 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and neck and a small amount of sunscreen to your body. You’ll also need to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Very few people apply the right amount of sunscreen, and even fewer are diligent, on-time reapplyers. As a result, dermatologists often recommend 50+ sunscreens to create more room for human error. If you do follow the application (and reapply) rules for t-shirts, skin experts say that once you have an SPF value above 50, you may not get any extra protection.
If You Have Risk Factors Such as Fair Skin, Use SPF 70-100
If you have fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or any other risk of sun exposure, you should use a higher SPF value. According to Glodny, SPF 100 is the highest SPF value, and it blocks about 99% of UVB rays. “No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, and as such, an SPF value is never higher than 100. If my patient has very, very fair skin and has a significant history of sun protection, I would only recommend that they use a sunscreen with an SPF value of 100. Sun damage and even skin cancer. In addition, Glodny notes that “certain genetic disorders that prevent the skin from adequately protecting itself from UV radiation, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, should use the highest SPF value available.” ”
Use Sunscreen with Other Protective Measures
Whenever possible, you should combine sunscreen with other sun protection strategies, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing UPF clothing, wearing a hat, and seeking shade when outdoors in the sun.
How Much Sunscreen to Use
As a general rule of thumb, Guanche recommends using a three-finger-length amount of sunscreen on the face and neck and a small glass of sunscreen on the body.
It’s best to be generous when it comes to applying SPF values, which, according to Ganche, are “measured by two milligrams (mg) of sunscreen applied per square centimeter (cm) of skin surface.” That’s the equivalent of “six teaspoons to cover the body of an average adult,” she said…Much more than the average person.”
In addition to using the recommended dosage, we must often apply SPF care to our skin to get the most out of the product. “Sunscreen should be applied every morning and reapplied every two hours – regardless of the SPF,” she explains. “If you’re wearing makeup and don’t want to reapply sunscreen to your face, the Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush Sunscreen, Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 ($43), has an excellent broad-spectrum sunscreen brush that makes reapplication easier.”
UPF Vs. SPF
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure used to describe the amount of ultraviolet radiation that penetrates fabrics such as sun-protective shirts, swimsuits, hats, and other clothing. “The higher the UPF, the less harmful light reaches the skin through the clothing. This UV measurement method takes into account both UVA and UVB,” says Glodny.
Glodny says that the SPF (sun protection factor) is calculated based on “the time it takes for untanned skin to turn red when exposed to UV rays.” For example, he says a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 “can expose your skin to the sun 50 times longer before turning red.” Glodny also notes that SPF differs from UPF in that “SPF only considers UVB, while UPF measures both UVA and UVB.”
Do You Really Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
Yes, you need to wear sunscreen every day – even in the winter, and even when you’re indoors all day. “Sunscreen is needed every day!” Guanche emphasized. This means cloudy, rainy, partly sunny…Anything you can think of. The general rule of thumb is: if it’s daytime, your bare skin should be covered with SPF sunscreen, and that’s it. This includes areas that are often overlooked, such as the top ears, eyelids, neck, tops of hands and feet. “While clouds can block sunlight, they can’t block UV rays, and there is still a risk of sunburn and skin damage on cloudy days. “Guanche state.
If you are indoors, especially if you are sitting near a window or even in front of a computer screen, you should be protected. “UVB can’t penetrate glass, but UVA can. This means that when you’re indoors, you’re still at risk of the damaging effects of UVA, which include accelerated skin aging and the formation of unwanted pigmentation,” says Guanche.
