SPF Sunscreen: Is Higher Better?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a numeric value displayed on sunscreen labels to indicate their ability to block out harmful sun rays.

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

Block and Stop - the Secret for Younger Looking Skin

Do you want younger looking skin? "Just block and stop," says licensed aesthetician, Medical aesthetician, Gena O'Neill.

"Blocking refers to using either sun block or sunscreen and by blocking smoking, I mean giving up cigarettes," says Gena.

How is it that something like the sun that feels so good and improves our moods can cause damage? "There are three types of UV rays in the atmosphere; UVA, UVB, UVC. UVC are absorbed into the environment," says Gena, "UVA rays age the skin, (A equals age) and UVB (B equals burning) are harmful to our skin. UV A rays take longer to impact the skin but penetrate deeper. UVA rays results in wrinkles and discoloration and the UVB results in burns. A tan is the skin's attempt to protect itself against these damaging rays."

So why should we care? Over exposure to the sun can lead to serious consequences that are worse than aging skin. The rays can cause skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can be lethal. Melanoma can spread throughout the body. Basal cell cancer's don't spread but can erode the underlying structures of the skin and require reconstructive surgery and squamous cell cancers can also spread through out the body.

This means everyone; even those with darker skin tone must protect their skin.

Protection comes in the form of a sun block or a sunscreen. Gena explains the difference:
"A sun block offers complete protection of the skin. It is a lotion that blocks the rays of the sun. Its ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Sunscreen protects the skin by reflecting and absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays."

"Look for broad spectrum protection" says Gena. Sunscreen contains benzophenones which protect against UVA rays and cinnamates and salicylates that work against UVB rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is recommended to use products with at least SPF 15. The higher the SPF the longer it acts in the sun without breaking down. Sunscreens need to be reapplied.

"If you smoke, stop," says Gena. Smoke robs the skin of oxygen and its youthful texture. Wrinkles form around the lips, eyes and mouth do to sucking. A 2007 study showed that even photoprotected skin ages more rapidly in a smoker.

Sun damage to skin cannot be reversed but it can be treated. Make an appointment with Gena for a complete skin analysis. Above all, just stop and block.