SPF refers to a sunscreen’s ability to block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn, but not UVA rays, which are more closely linked to deeper skin damage. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
Beginning in December 2012, the FDA began enforcing new sun protection regulations to help people better protect themselves from the sun’s rays. I couldn’t have been happy with the new regulations. I’ve been on a soap box on this for years and I’m glad the FDA is finally holding companies to a higher standard. Here is the breakdown of what the new regulations meant for SPF:
• Only SPF 15-50+ – This is the range that can be claimed to reduce the risks associated with sun exposure. The days of SPF 90 are over – the highest you’ll find is SPF 50+. The SPF rating is a measure of how long it would take to get sunburned if you weren’t wearing sunscreen compared to the time it would take with sunscreen on. One would like to think that an SPF of 30 is twice as good as an SPF of 15 and so on. But that’s not a very reasonable way to think. An SPF of 15 blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of the rays. So anything over SPF 50 is paying more money for 1% more. That’s hardly worth that extra fee.
• Use of more effective broad-spectrum sunscreens: Only formulations with proportional UVA and UVB coverage can claim to work as broad-spectrum sunscreens.
• No more waterproof sunscreen claims: Even the best sunscreens are waterproof at best, so always reapply after getting wet.
Having sunscreens with higher standards is a breath of fresh air, it was no surprise that most SPF products have no longer passed the new regulations. Stay protected from head to toe by adding a trusted brand of sun care products to your broad-spectrum sun protection regimen. Remember, the sun rises 365 days a year. Wearing a UV wristband is the perfect way to remind you to be diligent about sun protection.
One habit that will haunt you for the rest of your life is thinking that you are not exposed. He thinks again. On a typical day, you:
• Do you drive to work around 9 am?
• Leaving the house or office to run errands or go out to lunch?
• Drive home around 5 pm?
If you’re like us and answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re getting at least 20 minutes of sun every day, and that doesn’t include sitting near a window or spending more time outside. The best you can do is assume that you will get some exposure and that sunscreen will become a daily habit, rain or shine. It doesn’t matter the season!