There are many misconceptions about what makes a reliable sunscreen. First of all, most people tend to focus mainly on the SPF number, when the specific ingredients can tell us far more about a sunscreen’s efficacy.
We all know someone who proclaims to be extremely sold out about sun protection. They may even use SPF 100. Well, although they may have good intentions, they have been given a false sense of security. It seems logical to think that if you double the number of SPF, you double the protection. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Sunscreen with SPF 15 will block around 94% UVB rays. An SPF 30 blocks 97%, while SPF 45 blocks around 98%.
So if high SPF by itself isn’t a necessarily a strong indicator of a great sunscreen, what ingredients should you be looking for? The powerhouse duo is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The higher the percentage, the better. Another extremely important factor is the type of sun rays that are being blocked. By law, SPF numbers only need to refer to protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Another crucial protection to look for is against UVA rays. These rays are responsible for creating deeper damage such as premature aging (wrinkles) and skin cancer.
With the temperatures rising and beach days right around the corner, the topic of waterproof sunscreens needs to be addressed. In 2011 the FDA actually banned the labeling of waterproof on any sunscreen product. No sunscreen is waterproof. It all eventually washes off. The term that is used now is water-resistant. Products are now required to state the number of minutes the SPF may stay active before needing to be reapplied.
Face Cosmetic Skincare recently developed a line of sunscreens that far outshine the drugstore competition. Boasting high levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, SPF 50, superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and luxurious moisturization, mattifying, skin-tone blending and age-defying technologies–you’ll never go back to the sunscreen brand of your youth, again. Call your esthetician for more information.
Now get outside, enjoy the weather, and DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN!