Sunscreen is necessary to protect ourselves from the Sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays, even on cloudy or hazy days. Many beauty products such as body lotions and make-up now come with sunscreen in them, a boon for consumers who may be tempted to skip the sun-protecting step when doing their personal care routine.
What Number Sunscreen Should You Use?
Sunscreens come in different sun protection factors (SPF), usually 15, 30, 45 or 60. You need to reapply it throughout the day. If you are sweating a great deal, apply more often. Always apply liberally, as being stingy with sunscreen offers little protection from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 30 minutes before going outside and don’t forget often-missed areas like the tops of the feet, back of legs, ears, etc. Don’t just put sunscreen on children – put it on yourself as well!
But does a higher number SPF sunscreen give you much more sun protection than a lower one? According to Dr. Richard Haber, Head of the Division of Dermatology at the University of Calgary and a specialist in pediatric dermatology, "Today, many sunscreens are sold as SPF 60, 70, even 100. But those numbers exaggerate the product’s protective factor. The SPF scale curves steeply, so there’s not much increased benefit to sunscreens beyond 30."
Haber continues, "An SPF of 15 provides roughly 93 per cent protection from UVB rays, while an SPF 30 offers 97 per cent. Beyond 30, the improvements are negligible – an SPF of 50 hovers around 98 per cent protection. An SPF higher than 50 produces a false sense of security. The SPF is based on a laboratory assessment of the amount of protection from UVB only and is measured when a specific quantity of sunscreen is applied (2 mg/cm²). There is a potential to get less than the stated SPF if not enough is applied. In general a shotglass full (30 g) should be applied for each application to the body. One should also use a broad screen sunscreen that blocks UVA as well (Parsol 1789 or Avobenzone is the best UVA blocker.)"
Haber points out an interesting fact – in Australia, sunscreens greater than SPF 50 are now displayed as 50+ to avoid suggesting that sunscreens greater than SPF 50 give better UVB protection.
Haber emphasizes, “The most important thing about sunscreen is to use it regularly (SPF 30–50 with a good UVA blocker) from a young age in conjunction with sun avoidance during the peak UV times (10 am to 4 pm) and wearing a hat with a brim. Sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating.”
Sunscreen Creams vs Lotions vs Sprays
When choosing a sunscreen, if used as directed, both lotions and creams are effective. Sprays also work well, but when you apply the product to your body some of it will be inhaled. This is not good for those with respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, etc.
Sun Block
Sun block – the white cream you see on certain parts of people’s bodies (think of the skier or surfer with the streak of white on his nose) – is another excellent option. Sun block works by keeping out all UV rays. Apply thoroughly.
Summary
When in doubt, apply sunscreen and apply it liberally. Slather it on!
Source
Dr. Richard Haber, Head of the Division of Dermatology at the University of Calgary and a specialist in pediatric dermatology
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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