You know the feeling. The sunscreen aisle in the drugstore appears to be growing out of control with new types and SPF numbers every year. Recently the New York Times reported how sunscreen protection numbers have finally made it to the triple digits. SPF 100 is now available by Neutrogena beating Banana Boat which last year brought out their SPF 85 skin spray.
The SPF number is not an indicator of the percent of protection which can mislead people into thinking they are more protected than they are. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor which indicates how much protection one receives from the UVB (ultraviolet B) sunburn causing radiation.
If a person would normally develop a sunburn in 15 minutes, SPF 15 in theory gives you 15 times more protection or up to 3 ½ hours without burning. However, people usually do not put on enough sunscreen, water or sweat may wash it away or clothes can rub it off so, in reality, we are not adequately protected for nearly that long.
The SPF number only refers to UVB protection not UVA radiation protection which until recently wasn’t available in sunscreens. Both types of radiation are thought to contribute to skin cancer but UVA affects premature aging and wrinkling as well.
The SPF 100 product seems enticing because it is capable of blocking 99% of the UVB rays however SPF 50 blocks 98% and SPF 30 blocks 96.7%. The key is to reapply in appropriate amounts much more frequently than we do.
Newer sunscreens contain products to block both UVB and UVA rays making them worth looking into. Neutrogena’s Helioplex contains Avobenzone and Oxybenzone and other sunscreens labeled “Broad spectrum” may have products like Parazol 1789, zinc oxide, titanium oxide or Anthelios SX to block UVA rays.
Tips for Buying and Using Sunscreen:
1. Buy brands that are above SPF 30 but SPF 100 is probably unnecessary. Use sunscreen 365 days a year, not just in summer.
2. Apply the equivalent of a “shot” glass or a full ounce to all exposed areas and reapply every 2-4 hrs. This means buying a lot more tubes of sunscreen and not just spreading it on once assuming you are protected. Using the type that look like a giant “Chapstick” can make it more convenient to reapply to face and lips more frequently.
3. Wear hats and other sunscreen blocking style clothes when you know you will be exposed to the sun for long periods.
4. Stay out of the sun during the hot part of the day 11a.m. - 3 p.m.
5. Do regular skin checks using the mirror or another person to check your back. Check out anything suspicious with a dermatologist.
http://www.rn-guide-to-skin-care.com/What-Does-SPF-Mean.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/fashion/14SKIN.html?_r=1
http://www.napsnet.com/articles/61421.html
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at http://www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles