Understanding SPF & Sunscreen Labels: A Complete Guide
What is SPF?
SPF protection, or Sun Protection Factor, is a rating that indicates the level of protection provided against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. In addition to UVB protection, many modern SPFs offer broad-spectrum coverage against UVA rays, which can prematurely age the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Using skincare with SPF ensures your skin stays shielded from these harmful rays while maintaining hydration and nourishment.
What are The Different Types of Sunscreen?
Sunscreen comes in two main types: mineral (also called physical) and chemical. Both protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but they work a little differently.
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on your skin's surface and act like a shield, bouncing UV rays away.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, which absorb UV rays and transform them into harmless heat.
Many skincare with SPF products incorporate both types to provide enhanced protection and skincare benefits.
How to Interpret Sunscreen Labels and SPF Protection Numbers
SPF numbers can range from as low as 2 to as high as 100. It tells you how much UVB protection a sunscreen provides. For example, SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 filters out around 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. The higher the SPF, the more protection you get from sunburn.
If your skin burns typically in 10 minutes, an SPF 15 sunscreen will extend that time by 15 times, meaning you can stay in the sun for about 150 minutes (2.5 hours) without burning. However, this doesn't mean you should stay in the sun for prolonged periods; it's always best to reapply sunscreen every two hours and seek shade when possible.
Star ratings measure UVA protection, with one star being the lowest and five stars being the highest. A sunscreen with a lower SPF can still have a high star rating if it maintains a good balance of UVA and UVB protection. Choosing skincare with a high SPF and star rating ensures the best defense against sun damage.
The Truth About Sunscreen Labels
Despite what many believe, sunscreen with SPF 75 or SPF 100 does not offer much more protection than SPF 30. The difference in UV protection between an SPF 30 and an SPF 100 sunscreen is slight. In fact, the FDA has proposed capping sunscreen SPFs at 60+ to avoid misleading claims.
A sunscreen should provide balanced UVA and UVB coverage for adequate sun protection. So, no matter what skincare with SPF you choose, reapply regularly and seek shade when possible.
How to Apply Sunscreen
To get the best SPF protection from your sunscreen, follow these tips:
Use enough sunscreen: Apply about a shot glass-sized amount for full-body coverage. A thin layer won't provide adequate protection.
Cover all exposed areas: Don't forget spots like your ears, neck, hands, and feet. People often neglect these areas, but they remain vulnerable to sun damage.
Apply before sun exposure: Sunscreen needs time to absorb, so put it on at least 15 minutes before going outside.
Choose the right type for sensitive areas: Stick sunscreens work well for the face, around the eyes, and lips without running into your eyes.
Reapply frequently: Sunscreen wears off, especially when sweating or swimming. Reapply every two hours or immediately after getting wet.
Conclusion
Protecting your skin from UV damage is essential for maintaining a healthy, youthful complexion. By incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine and following the tips above, you can shield your skin from harmful rays and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Remember, consistency is the key to long-term protection and a radiant complexion.
At Provenance Aesthetics & Wellness, we're dedicated to helping you achieve optimal skin health. From personalized skincare advice to treatments tailored to your needs, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Start protecting your skin today for a brighter, healthier tomorrow. Schedule a free consultation with us today!
FAQs
What's the Best SPF for Daily Sun Protection?
The FDA recommends at least SPF 15 for sun protection. Still, the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+ for protection against aging and skin cancer.
How Do I Store Sunscreen?
The FDA advises storing sunscreen away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain its effectiveness. When outdoors for long periods, keep it in the shade or wrap it in a towel.
Is Sunscreen Waterproof?
No sunscreen is truly waterproof. Water-resistant formulas can hold up for 40 to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, but they still wear off. Always check the label and reapply as needed to keep your skin protected.
Do Infants and Children Need Sunscreen?
Infants under 6 months shouldn't use sunscreen. The FDA advises keeping them shaded and wearing protective clothing, as their skin is more sensitive.
For babies over six months, use sunscreen as directed on the Drug Facts label. If unsure, check with your doctor.
How to Find the Sunscreen's SPF Value?
The SPF value of a sunscreen is clearly labeled on the front of the packaging as required by the FDA. This number is determined through standardized testing to measure how well the product shields skin from UVB rays.
How Often Should I Use Moisturizers with Sunscreen?
Apply a moisturizer with sunscreen every morning as the last step in your routine and 15 minutes before sun exposure. Then, reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming.
Opting for skincare with SPF can simplify your skincare regimen by combining hydration and sun protection in one step.