A common misconception about SPFs is that the higher the SPF, the better the protection.
While there is some truth to this, it is not quite as simple.
As the SPF increases, so does the protection from harmful sun rays, however, once you reach SPF 50 or higher there is only a slight increase in protection.
For example, an SPF of 15 will block approximately 94% of sun rays. An SPF of 30 will offer you additional protection of about 97%. Once you reach SPF 50, you will get about a 98% blockage from harmful sun rays, which is only a minimal increase from SPF 30 with 97%.
Thus, increases in SPF are not directly proportional and will only result in a minimal amount of additional protection as the number increases.
Excessive sun exposure increases one’s risk of premature skin aging as well as skin cancer.
We recommend the following to decrease the above mentioned risks:
• Daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• If you are spending more than 2 hours outside, be sure to reapply your sunscreen.
Repeat every 2 hours at least.
• Avoid spending too much time in the sun during the peak hours of sun intensity (10am-2pm).
• When outdoors, protect exposed skin with clothing and a hat
When choosing a sun protection product, there are many options such as sprays, lotions, gels, sunblock, sunscreen, and more!
While the majority of products will work well, consider the following when making your selection:
1) Sunblock versus Sunscreen:
Both will protect you from the sun, but their mechanisms of action differ.
Sunscreens contain chemicals such as Oxybenzone and Avobenzone that filter some of the sun’s UV rays to protect your skin.
These chemicals breakdown when exposed to UV light and need to be reapplied every 2 hours at a minimum.
Sunblock, on the other hand, acts as a physical barrier by reflecting the sun’s rays, thus, blocking harmful sun rays.
Most sunblocks will contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Sunblocks are not broken down by UV light and will last longer provided they are still covering the skin.
2) Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, we advise you to select a sunscreen that is fragrance free, oil free, and hypoallergenic.
3) Acne: If you have acne prone skin, we recommend selecting a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance free, and oil free sunscreen.
4) Asthmatic: If you or your child has a history of asthma, we advise caution if using a spray as these could provoke an asthma attack!
Desperately desire a tanned look? See our next blog on sunless tanners!
Vanessa Lelli DNP, FNP-C
Bryan J. Michelow, MD, FACS
