Blog 2: SPF: The More The Merrier, Right?

Post date: Oct 4, 2011 2:58:25 AM

Sprays, creams, gels; it’s not as easy as it once used to be. Now, you take a trip to the pharmacy and there are so many different brands and types of sunscreens. SPF usually rages from 15-60. Today, there are even brands, like Neutrogena, that have SPF of 110! There are so many choices, but which one do we choose from? It sounds like the sunscreen with the SPF of 100 is definitely going to give you the highest amount of protection when you go out in the sun. This truly speaks out to the public. Based on a survey from the Consumer Reports National Survey Center, done in 2009, 81% of Americans who use sunscreen are immensely influenced by the levels of SPF when buying a sunscreen.

Surprisingly, studies show that sunscreen with SPF of 30 will actually block 98% of UV radiation. In this case, it doesn’t really show much of a drastic difference when you apply a sunscreen that is higher than SPF 30. Dr. Ronald Rapini, chairmen of the dermatology departments at the University of Texas Medical School, expresses that SPF is not the only thing consumers should worry about when trying to purchase a protective sunscreen. He says that it is also important and key to skin safety to invest in a sunscreen that has both UVB and UVA protection. SPF is what protects you from UVB, ultraviolet B-radiation, which causes sunburns. UVA protection is found in skin protecting products that contain the ingredient, mexoyrl. These numbers we see in SPF is typically used depending on how long it takes for an individual to burn when exposed to the sun. Someone who is more likely to burn within 15 minutes of sun exposure obviously requires a sunscreen with higher SPF to best protect his or her skin.

Something people are not completely aware about (I surely was not) when applying sunscreen is how much they should use. Dr. Neal Shultz discusses the proper amount of sunscreen that should be used, so that you can achieve that full level of protection from the SPF in a YouTube video. Technically, you should be using 1 ounce of sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays when you are heading out for the day. This may seem like a lot of sunscreen, so maybe it would be okay to cut corners and to use half an ounce. By doing so, a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 becomes SPF 7. This is such a dramatic difference in the amount of SPF! If half of the amount you are supposed to apply is used, your skin is not nearly as protected as you think it should be. About ½ Tsp of sunscreen should be used for face and neck. A full value and protection of the SPF is gained by using these amounts. It is also particularity important to remember that the sunscreen you applied in the morning is not going to last you until the sun goes down. Every 2-3 hours, and after a swim or perspiration, the same amount of sunscreen has to be reapplied.

Ultimately, SPF 30 with UVB and UVA protection will help shield your skin from the dangerous sun UV emissions. Keep in mind, that 1 entire ounce of sunscreen should be used on your body and ½ an ounce on your face and neck, to benefit the full value of the SPF. Keep your skin healthy and radiant. After all, it’s the only skin you have!

References

How Much Sunscreen to Put On [DermTV.com Epi #196] - YouTube. Perf. Dr. Neal Shultz. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. 24 May 2010. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=505VqYtsYRY>.

Morris, Mike. "How Much SPF Is Enough? - Houston Chronicle." Houston News, Sports, Business, and Entertainment - The Houston Chronicle at Chron.com - Houston Chronicle. The Chronicle, 5 Sept. 2010. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. <http://www.chron.com/life/article/How-much-SPF-is-enough-1715635.php>.

Baby with Sunscreen. Digital image. Revival Skin. Web. 1 Nov. 2011. <http://revivalskincare.com/html/tips.htm>.