Understanding Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Sunscreens are something that we all take for granted. Usually during the summer months we all slather it on at the beach. Some will grab a bottle of SPF 4; some will go for a little more protection maybe a SPF 15 or a SFP 30. But do we know what we are really doing? What does the number mean? I was recently asked just that question by my wife during a recent shopping trip.

So here is some of what I found out.

First a little about just how sunscreens work. There are two types of damaging rays emitted by our Sun. They are ultraviolet rays that can not be seen by the human eye. Sunscreens work by blocking the UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Sunscreens do this in 3 different ways. They either physically or chemically absorb, scatter or reflect these rays.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen does not increase proportionally with the designated SPF number.

• A SPF4 will block 75% of the sun’s damaging rays, however might not provide enough protection..
• A SPF 15 will screen out 93% and is considered to be the minimum to insure complete protection.
• SPF 70+ sunscreens that are now starting to come on the market will block 98.6% of the sun burning rays. These are good for people with sensitive skin.

We recommend that you use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 for daily use, especially on the face to help prevent early aging and skin cancer. Scientific studies have determined that daily use of sunscreens and sun block can reduce your chances of developing skin cancer.

Most importantly the best sunscreen you can use is the one that you will actually put on. You should always limit sun exposure when ever possible.

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