What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor or SPF remains a crucial ingredient in sunscreens. SPF protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) light damage. Two types of UV damage to the skin exist. These two types of UV are UVA and UVB. The goal of SPF products remains to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and possible skin cancer or skin damage.
UVA Rays and Protection
UVA rays cause tanning, skin damage, sunburn, and wrinkles. When you’re looking for an excellent sunblock to protect your skin from UVA rays, please read the label carefully. Look for the term “broad spectrum” on the label. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB skin damage.
UVB Rays
UVB rays cause the skin to burn when you’re exposed to sunshine. UVB rays remain especially dangerous because they play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. When looking at most SPF levels, the number refers to the amount of UVB protection it gives.
More about SPF
The number of SPF tells you the amount of time it would take for the sun’s rays to make your skin red. A product that is SPF 30 allows you to stay in the sunshine for 30 times longer than if you weren’t using the product. Only about 3 percent of UVB rays reach your skin. If you were using SPF 50, only about 2 percent of the skin’s rays would achieve your skin. While the difference doesn’t seem that significant, you’re getting 50 percent more protection using SPF 50 than when you use SPF 30.
Using higher SPF with broad-spectrum coverage, you’ll get more protection from:
- Sunburn.
- UVA damage.
- DNA damage.
Unfortunately, the actual use of sunscreen doesn’t mimic lab results. Some people think that they can live in the sunshine if they apply sunscreen with a high SPF number in the morning. They have a false sense of security. To receive the best results, be sure to reapply sunscreen often to maintain an excellent level of SPF protection. And be reasonable about the amount of time you spend in the sun. Be sure to have a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt with you if you’re required to spend time outdoors in the bright sunshine. Wear a hat to protect your facial skin. And seek out shade to give your skin a rest from the suns intense rays.
Some people need to be more cautious about the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight. These people are predisposed to getting skin cancer. You may be prone to skin cancer if you have:
- A history of skin cancer.
- Genetic skin concerns such as albinism or xeroderma pigmentosum.
- Certain immune system disorders.
Specific scenarios increase your chances of getting skin cancer, including:
- Doing recreational activities like skiing and hiking in high altitudes.
- Vacationing in areas near the equator.
If you need more information about protecting your skin from sun exposure, contact DermApproach at https://www.dermapproach.com/. We can help you achieve beautiful skin for a lifetime.
