Do You Think SPF has You Covered?  Wrong.

If you’re just grabbing the highest SPF–you may not be as protected as you think.  All anyone ever talks about is SPF, however this is just the beginning.  Can you answer the following?

• What’s the difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock?
• What’s the difference between UVA and UVB waves.
• What does SPF really mean?
• Is SPF 60 twice as effective as SPF 30?

Unless you’re a dermatologist, I doubt you can answer all of the above.  And what you don’t know may be causing you long-term skin damage.  Read on as we debunk the myths surrounding sun protection.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock

By definition, sunblock sits on top of the skin and physically blocks, scatters and deflects most of the sun’s UVA and UVB waves.  Sunblock normally contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  Have you noticed many mineral makeups contain sun protection?  This physical barrier is how they often provide protection.  A full spectrum sunblock offers more complete coverage than many sunscreens.

Sunscreen is a chemical block and absorbs into the skin.  This is why you’re advised to apply a short time before going into the sun.  It needs to be re-applied often because UV light degrades it over time.  Sunscreen blocks either UVA, UVB or both.  But read the label carefully because many only protect from UVB rays.  And even when they offer UVA protection, the measure of this protection is not usually provided.

Please note that while the above are the actual definitions of each…the terms “sunblock” and “sunscreen” are sometimes used interchangeably.  So read labels to be sure.

UVA vs. UVB Waves

An easy way to remember the difference is that UVA rays cause aging.  And UVB rays cause burning.  Are you swimming in SPF 90 thinking you’re protecting that pretty face of yours from sunspots and wrinkles?  Not necessarily.  I had used at least a 30 SPF on my face for the last 10 years.  Yet my sun damage just kept growing.  It wasn’t until about a year ago that I learned that my UVB-only coverage was part of the problem.  It wasn’t providing adequate anti-aging benefits.

SPF: The Ugly Truth

SPF or sun protection factor, can be misleading.  It is a measure of how long a person can stay in the sun while maintaining a low risk of sunburn.  In other words, if you can normally stay out unprotected for15 minutes without burning…SPF 20 implies you can stay out 20 times that.  Which would be 5 hours.  I think this goes in the Don’t Try This at Home file!  Five hours with only SPF 20 could be ugly.

Also, SPF only measures UVB wave protection.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “At present, there is no FDA-approved rating system that identifies UVA protection.

This means you can slather on high SPF sunscreen all day long, but unless it offers a broad spectrum coverage that includes adequate UVA protection…you aren’t fighting the aging effects of the sun at all!

What all the Numbers Mean

Long story short, SPF 30 does not block twice as many UV waves as SPF 15.  First of all, we just learned– it only refers to UVB protection.  Then, according to University of Iowa Health Care, “SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 92% of UVB rays while SPF 30 product blocks 96% of the UVB rays.”

Now What?

With all this information, what’s the answer?  Here are a few suggestions:

• When buying sun protection, do your homework.
• Look for broad spectrum coverage.  The goal is UVA and UVB coverage.  And experts recommend at least SPF 30.
• If using sunscreen (vs. sunblock), apply 15-30 minutes before going into the sun.  This allows the lotion to fully penetrate the skin.
• Re-apply as indicated in the directions.  Remember, sunscreen breaks down in UV light.  Increase application if you are swimming or are sweating a lot.
• Because sunscreen breaks down, pay attention to expiration dates and replace as necessary.
  

In light of the knowledge I learned from researching this article, I recently switched to bareMinerals SPF 30 for my neck, face and sometimes even arms.  This has become my everyday protection.  With its unique delivery system it is even perfect for quick on-the-go application.  Plus it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage in the recommended SPF 30 level.  Try this one or do your homework and find the best choice for you.

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