In my previous blog I mentioned the importance of sunscreen as well as keeping your treatment especially during summer, but did you know what common basis you should look into a sunscreen for it to be effective? Yes, you are right! It’s a sun protection factor (Spf).
What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?
It’s an indication of how well a product will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The SPF number tells you the amount of time it takes for the skin to redden upon exposure to the sun with protection as opposed to the amount of time without protection.
If used exactly as directed, a product with SPF 30 will take the sun 30 times longer to burn the skin than skin directly exposed without protection. A product with SPF 50 will take 50 times longer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a product with SPF 30 allows approximately 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin, and a product with SPF 50 allows about 2 percent.
You may see any of the following terms on sun protectant labels:
1. Water-Resistant Look for water-resistant products. This means that the protection will be effective for 40 minutes in the water, and reapplication is necessary. Products that are labeled as very water-resistant will typically last for 80 minutes in the water.
2. Broad Spectrum Broad. Spectrum means that the product can protect from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB rays.
3. Sports. The FDA hasn’t approved this term for sun protection, but it’s a common indication of water and sweat resistance.
4. Sensitive skin. Although the FDA hasn’t approved the term “sensitive skin” for sun protection, it’s most likely an indication that the product is hypoallergenic and doesn’t include PABA, oils, or fragrances.
Sunscreen contains filters that reflect or absorb UV rays:
1. Organic filters– It absorbs UV radiation and converts it to a small amount of heat.
2. Inorganic filters– It reflects and scatters UV radiation, these are also typically less irritating to the skin.
Before you purchase and use, read the label to see if any of these ingredients may irritate your skin.
References: Scott F. 2019
Stay Healthy!
Love,
Maribel Idania