In theory, sunscreen with super-high SPF would give you the best protection. It means protection against damaging UV radiation. But in practice, it does not really work. Sunscreen SPF 50 is just the right one for your skin. SPF is the short form of “sun protection factor” – a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect you from UVB.
At best, most high-SPF sunscreens will give you only slightly better protection than a sunscreen with SPF 50. It was according to the annual sunscreen report published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). At worst, high-SPF sunscreens could give you a false sense of security. In the end, you spend more time in the sun – increasing your risk for burns and skin cancer thinking that you are better protected.
Hence we discuss in detail all you need to know about SPF to keep your skin safe.
What Does it Mean – Sunscreen SPF 50?
An SPF 50 product protects you from 98 percent of the UVB “burning” rays that generally penetrate your skin.
Before the FDA introduced its new labeling requirements a few years ago, SPF levels often caused a lot of confusion for buyers and customers.
Some individuals thought that the SPF number frequently corresponded to the number of mins the sunscreen protects your skin. In simple terms, the percentage of rays the sunscreen filtered, or there was other misguided logic.
The SPF number theoretically correlates to how long an individual can stay in the sun without burning. For instance, when you wear an SPF 30, you could remain outside for 30 times longer than if you were unprotected.
However, this condition does not consider your skin type, toweling, sweating, swimming, or the level of the UV index on that particular day. Confusing, right? Means there could also be other factors that may affect your sensitive skin even if you are wearing sunscreen.
Now, if you see the packaging, all sunscreen for face (face sunscreen) will have mandated directions and water resistance testing results which are easily visible. Most sunscreen can either be effective for up to 40 minutes or even up to 80 minutes in water.
Mineral sunscreens will effectively shield skin against the sun as they have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You can also choose sunscreen lotion, chemical sunscreen, physical sunscreens, and even pet supplies.
One must also understand that they must reapply it every 2 hours. You can refer to the directions written on the packaging. Consult your skin doctor in case you need any clarifications.
Choose a Sunscreen With an SPF Between 15 and 50
The EWG generally recommends choosing sunscreens within the SPF 15–50 range. Experts recommend sticking with the lower SPF products. You should apply a liberal coating and reapply it often. “Often” generally means every two hours and anytime after toweling off, swimming, or excessive sweating.
SPF will only measure protection from UVB radiation. It has nothing to do with deep-penetrating UVA radiation. In fact, in the US, no labeling system tells consumers how much UVA protection they might get after applying sunscreen.
It is essential to know that it is another major downside of higher-SPF products. Remember that a product with SPF can protect you from sunburns. At the same time, it could still leave you vulnerable to doses of UVA radiation.
Therefore, to ensure equal protection from both types of radiation, you should check the ingredients list. The product should contain about 3 percent avobenzone or at least 15 percent zinc oxide. Both these ingredients block UVA.
Lastly, do not let your sunscreen do all the heavy lifting. Always use shade, hats, sunglasses, and clothing as part of your.
What Does the SPF Number Mean?
The SPF number will tell you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin. It applies when you use the product exactly as directed versus the time duration without sunscreen. So ideally speaking, with SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn compared to a scenario when you were not wearing sunscreen.
An SPF 30 will allow about 3 percent UVB rays to hit your skin. Whereas SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through. That might seem a slight difference, but later, you will realize that the SPF 30 will allow 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.
Under ideal conditions like in a lab, a sunscreen with higher SPF protection and broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against sunburn. It means UVA and DNA damage are less than products with lower SPF values.
But, in real life, the story is different outside the lab. In real life, products with very high SPFs create a false sense of security. People who use them tend to stay in the sun much longer.
They may skip or forget to apply sunscreen. And they may think they do not need to seek shade, wear a hat or cover up with clothing. Finally, such people end up getting a lot more UV damage, which, of course, defeats the purpose.
Especially for individuals with a history or high risk of skin cancer, genetic diseases such as albinism, or certain immune disorders, SPF 50 may not be enough. Even for similar scenarios, such as skiing, hiking at high altitudes, or vacationing near the equator.
You should know that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, especially for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, you should apply one ounce (two tablespoons) – 30 minutes before sun exposure. In addition, you should reapply it every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming.
Experts Say You Should Avoid Sunscreen SPF 50 and Higher
Experts say high-SPF products do not give you a whole lot more protection. Do you know that two kinds of UV radiation hit your skin when you are out in the sun? UVA and UVB.
UVB is the kind responsible for sunburns. But UVA radiation is the kind that reaches deeper into your skin and causes skin aging. Both of these radiation increase your risk of skin cancer.
SPF, which means sun protection factor – is the measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect you from UVB. You may think that an SPF 100 sunscreen will give you double the protection of an SPF 50 sunscreen. But the truth is that the higher-SPF products will only marginally be better and will only shield you from UVB radiation. It has been confirmed by the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation.
In reality, SPF 30 products will block nearly 97 percent of UVB radiation, whereas SPF 50 products will block about 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks about 99 percent of the radiation. In 2011, the FDA even called sunscreen SPF 50 and greater as “inherently misleading”.
Experts also worry that high SPF products may make people spend more time in the sun because they automatically start to think they are getting extra protection.
Does a Sunscreen With a High SPF Protect Your Skin Better Than One with a Lower SPF? How High Should You Go?
Many of you may ask this question. But there is no simple answer to this question. It could be a little complicated. Several studies have studied the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the human skin and ways to protect against them.
You should also know about a few important points that will make you more of a sun protection expert!
Ultraviolet light is invisible to humans as it has shorter wavelengths compared to normal light we can see. Within the UV spectrum, two types of rays could sun damage the DNA in your skin cells. Damaged skin cells may lead to skin cancer. Hence it is important to protect your skin from both types:
UVB rays often cause sunburn and play a vital role in developing skin cancer. A sunscreen’s SPF number often refers to the amount of UVB protection it may provide.
UVA rays may cause skin damage that leads to tanning, wrinkles, and aging. The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays may also contribute to sunburn. Therefore, looking for the words “broad spectrum” on your product’s label is essential. It means that these ingredients can protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
What is The Easiest Way to Know if a Sunscreen Provides Proper Protection?
When you buy sunscreen, you must look for ones that provide broad-spectrum protection and say so on the label. Note that only broad-spectrum sunscreens will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
If you use sunscreen products that contain antioxidants – it will give you another layer of protection. Wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses is also important in total sun protective care.
As you read the nutrition facts on foods before eating them, similarly you should always check the drug facts on sunscreens. It is just as important to understand what you are putting on our skin to protect your skin.
Now that you are armed with a higher SPF it is time to pack those beach bags and enjoy a fun, sun-safe summer .But when you go to the supermarket check out the top-selling sunscreens with SPF 50 below.
Beyond Sunscreen
You may have several questions regarding sunscreen SPF 50. Sometimes when you ask a question, you realize it is the wrong question. You may also ask – what should be the best overall strategy to protect your skin?
It is important not to rely on high-SPF sunscreens alone. Meaning no single method of sun defense can protect you perfectly. You need to understand that sunscreen is just one vital part of a strategy. In addition, you should try seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
