So what are these terms, and what dose it mean for me? SPF. This is a measure on how long a sunscreen will protect skin against sunburn. The FDA has proposed that SPF will be capped at 50+ unless the manufacturer can provide information that supports a higher SPF number. SPF higher than 50 has been shown to offer minimal additional protection compared to sunscreens with SPF 50 and under.
SPF of a sunscreen tells you two things: how long you can stay in the sun and how well the formula filters the sun’s rays. First, if you take the amount of minutes you can stay in the sun before turning pink and then multiply that number by the SPF rating, you get the amount of time you can spend in the sun using that sunscreen. For example, if you are normally able to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning and the SPF of your sunscreen formula is 20, and it is applied correctly, your sunscreen will protect you for 200 minutes before your skin starts to burn. How well the formula filters the suns rays goes as follows.
- SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays.
- SPF 10 blocks about 85% of UVB rays.
- SPF 15 blocks about 95% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
What is Broad-spectrum? A sunscreen must meet broad-spectrum testing, which measures the UVA protection in relation to the UVB protection in a product. Sunscreens that pass the broad-spectrum test may be labeled “broad-spectrum,” indicating that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer or premature aging of the skin. Experts do recommend you re apply sunscreen at least every two hours.
I also listed additional questions, and myths about sunscreen.
But what about clogging the pores? You can always make sure that this is avoided by using a sunscreen that is oil free, or made for Oily, and Acne skin. Knowing that you only need to apply the higher amount of sunscreen, when you know that you are going to be out in the sun. And most importantly knowing that is should be removed when you return home, and are no longer in the sun.
My Moisturizer or Makeup has a SPF of sunscreen so I don't need to re apply sunscreen when I'm out. When you have products, that contain more than one product you are usually getting less of the add on. Lets take your common Moisturizer that has a SPF protection of 15. You have to take in consideration that your moisturizer company dose'nt specify in making SPF. and that the ingredient content cant hold on to much without cutting into the main product in this case its your moisturizer. So in conclusion, where not saying that its bad to use a product that contains most just remember that the ingredients are more effective to what the main use of the product was for, in our example case it would contain more hydrating ingredients,than SPF. And if you will be exposed to the sun out doors, that you will Apply a higher facial SPF.
I like getting a little Tan in the summer so I don't apply sunscreen because I wont tan. This is another SPF myth. Your skin will tan regardless because when your body increases its melanin production (what gives you color) It is doing so in protection of the skin. Your body is fighting the damage that will be done by trying to block the free radicals, so the rush of melanocytes that you see rise to the surface, is the result of your body blocking the sun from entering the skin so quickly. But your skin will still tan the SPF again just aids in the process of slowing down the time it will take your skin to burn,
I've included a copy of a Sunscreen Ingredient chart Below Take a look at it and see what your sunscreen is doing for you.
