SPF-What does it all mean?
Sun protection is so important but can be a bit confusing. Let’s break it down.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s followed by a number, usually 15, 30, or 50. The number signifies the time it will take you to burn in direct sun in relation to the time it takes to burn without sun protection. In short, the higher the SPF factor, the longer you can go before re-applying. Using this calculation, you might say it takes 20 minutes to burn, times an SPF of 15, and you come out with 300 minutes of sun protection (20 x 15=300). It seems so simple but the numbers are deceptive. Even though it may take 20 minutes to feel the burn you actually start burning at around 10 minutes. That cuts your protection time in half. Then there is the application. Most of the SPF labels I see say “apply liberally”. That’s a very vague term and the amount of SPF applied in the tests to get the level of protection that’s stated on the bottle is far, far more than most people would ever use (think a shot glass full for your face). Add in an uneven application, sweat, water, rubbing from clothing and it becomes clear that you aren’t getting anywhere near the stated SPF level for the amount of time you think. You’re probably lucky if you achieve an SPF of 5. This is why it’s so important to re-apply.
Make sure any sunscreen you purchase says that it is Broad Spectrum. This means that it protects against both UVA rays (more responsible for aging) and UVB rays (more responsible for burning).
Most of us are aware of the damage that the sun can do to our skin. I rarely see people who actually lay out in the sun anymore. The actual bulk of sun damage that we receive doesn’t happen from this kind of exposure. Instead, it’s the daily walk to the mailbox, the errands you run in your car, etc…that pile on the most damage. In fact, 80% of our extrinsic aging is from sun damage. And our extrinsic aging does more damage than our intrinsic aging. A comparison of the skin on your hand, which receives lots of exposure, versus the skin on your belly, which receives very little sun exposure, will easily show you how that everyday sun damage adds up.
When talking to clients about sun protection I come across a lot of misconceptions that I’d like to clear up.
“I only use sunscreen in the summer when I know I’m going to be outside all day .”
UV rays are always present in daylight (including in the winter, on an overcast day, and anytime before sundown). The truth is, that most sun damage occurs from exposure to sunlight on a daily basis during activities like shopping, driving, or walking down the street.
“Having a base tan will protect my skin from burning and burning is where the damage occurs”
All skin types can be damaged by UV radiation and people with all skin types can get skin cancer. Remember: if your skin darkens in the sun, UV rays have damaged your skin cells. A tan is a sign that your skin cells have experienced trauma — not a sign of health.
“I need more vitamin D.”
People severely overestimate the amount of UV exposure needed to meet vitamin D requirements. You don't need to "work" at getting enough sunlight (a few minutes outside in the early morning or late afternoon would be enough).
In fact, too much UV exposure can have the opposite effect on vitamin D levels. How? For the skin to absorb vitamin D, sunlight triggers a cholesterol-like substance within the skin to convert it into an active form of vitamin D that can be distributed throughout the body. However, after about 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, UVA rays begin to break down vitamin D so that it cannot be converted into its usable form.
“I didn’t use sunscreen when I was young so the damage is already done.”
Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers because it can develop from sun exposure at any age. It is never too late to start protecting your skin to prevent further damage.
“I have SPF in my moisturizer/makeup so I’m protected.”
If you put that much makeup or moisturizer on you would look like a clown and you’d be replacing your expensive moisturizers and makeup monthly. The actual level of SPF that we are getting from applying what is a more normal amount is far less than the number on the box. This is one of the reasons that we must re-apply. I recommend that you use a moisturizer, then SPF, then makeup.
UV protection is necessary for all skin types, every day. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
Everyone wants their skin to look as young as possible for as long as possible and UV protection is the biggest bang for the buck in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
