SPF (sun protection factor) – between 30 – 50 is best!
It has been shown in many clinical studies that SPF ratings (which are based on UVB only) are generally providing 95% protection at SPF 30, and about 98% protection at SPF 50.
Therefore, SPF more than 50+ is not really protecting the skin any more, it just adds chemicals to the skin.
The difference between Chemical & Mineral Sunscreen
Chemical (traditional) sunscreens penetrate into the skin, absorb the energy from the sun and disperse them on the skin as heat. They can only absorb so much, after which they are not effective any more. This is why it is recommended to reapply every 2 hours when outside.
Mineral sunscreens/sun block (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays off of the skin. They are far better, safer and are effective for longer than chemical sunscreens.
However, from a formulation standpoint, minerals generally do not feel as pleasant on the skin as the traditional chemical filters.
Some companies will combine them, (Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide, plus oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and/or octinoxate), providing great protection and a non-greasy, light creamy feel on the skin.
Choosing a sunscreen with either minerals alone, or a combo of minerals plus chemical filters, at an SPF rating of 30-50 will give the best possible protection, feel decent on the skin and give you peace of mind that you are doing your best to be Sun Safe!
DID YOU KNOW…“broadband” usually refers to UVA & UVB protection, but the SPF rating is only for UVB!
They haven’t quite perfected the testing of UVA yet, but cosmetic chemists in the industry are working on it. For now, sticking with SPF 30+ is generally accepted as providing sufficient protection if used properly…which means…
- reapply every few hours, after swimming, sweating, etc… and
- OUT WITH THE OLD… PLEASE don’t use last year’s sunscreen!
Buy a new bottle, sunscreens aren’t meant to last forever.
It’s your biggest organ, protect your skin!
Also, apply SPF 30+ after every professional treatment done in a Spa, Medi-spa, etc….protect what you just treated!! Even if it’s cloudy, or raining, or your patient is “going straight home”…! APPLY SPF AFTER EVERY TREATMENT!!