Sun Protection Factor: Truths, Myths, and Expert Advice
November 20 2023 – Dr. Luise Berger
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November 20 2023 – Dr. Luise Berger
Sunscreen products are readily available on various markets and are specifically designed to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. These products come in various forms such as creams, gels, or sprays. They fulfill their protective purpose by incorporating special cosmetic ingredients, known as UV filters.
UV filters are special ingredients in sun protection products that serve to protect your skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation. They are divided into two main categories: organic and inorganic (also known as mineral) UV filters. Inorganic UV filters act as a shield on your skin. They reflect a small portion of the incoming radiation, similar to a mirror, and absorb the majority. Their protective effect depends on the wavelength of the incoming UV radiation. UV-A radiation is mainly reflected, while UV-B radiation is predominantly absorbed by mineral UV filters. On the other hand, organic UV filters utilize their unique molecular structure to absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless chemical energy. In this way, UV radiation is neutralized, and the skin is protected. To ensure a broad protection spectrum, a combination of different UV filters is necessary since each UV filter only covers a specific range of radiation that it can shield.
UV radiation, a part of sunlight that reaches us on the Earth's surface, plays a crucial role in our skin health. "UV" stands for "Ultraviolet" and refers to a specific range of wavelengths of radiation. UV radiation is further divided into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-A and UV-B radiation are the two types that reach us on Earth and have a significant impact on our skin health, making them particularly important in the cosmetics industry. UV-C radiation, on the other hand, does not reach the Earth's surface and is therefore irrelevant for cosmetic purposes.
The sun protection factor (SPF), a crucial component of every sunscreen product, is a key indicator of the level of protection a product offers against UVB radiation.
The numbers that represent the SPF value can vary, such as 20, 30, 50, or even 50+. These numbers result from rigorous testing and indicate how much the duration of sun protection is extended by the product, thus keeping the skin protected from sunburn for a longer period.
To explain it more precisely, the SPF is determined by measuring the minimal erythema dose (MED). The MED is the amount of UVB radiation required to cause minimal skin redness (erythema).
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There are many myths surrounding the sun protection factor and sun protection in general. One widespread misconception is that a higher SPF provides better protection. While a higher SPF does offer longer protection, the difference between an SPF 30 and 50 is not as significant as many people think. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
Some people mistakenly believe that using sunscreen prevents tanning. That is not true. Sunscreen prevents sunburn but does not block all UV rays responsible for skin tanning.
Furthermore, some people surprisingly think that they don't need sun protection on cloudy days. In reality, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so sun protection is still needed on cloudy days.
It is a common misconception that darker skin tones do not need sun protection. While darker skin tones do contain more melanin, providing some natural protection against UV rays, they are still susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer. Therefore, it's important for people with darker skin to use sunscreen.
Lastly, there is the belief that last year's sunblock is still effective. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about one year, and their effectiveness may decline after that time. It is recommended to buy a new bottle each year.
Many of us look for products with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun. However, what many people don't know is that achieving an SPF 50 often requires the use of ingredients that can potentially be hormonally active, allergenic, or irritating. The reason for this lies in the composition of many SPF 50 products on the market. To achieve such a high sun protection factor, chemical UV filters are often used, which are considered potentially hormonally active and can trigger allergies. Additionally, some of these products contain irritating substances that can cause irritation, especially to sensitive skin.
At DOC.BERGER | EFFECT, we firmly believe that effective sun protection is possible without the use of these concerning additives. Our research and development focus on using high-quality, natural ingredients that provide the skin with effective protection against sunlight, blue light, and free radicals without compromising its health. Our Anti-Pollution Day Cream with SPF > 30 is the result of extensive research and testing to provide you with reliable sun protection that is free from controversial additives.
It is important to use sunscreen correctly to ensure the best possible protection. Here are some tips:
Proper use of sunscreen and understanding the sun protection factor is essential for the health of our skin. Protect your skin and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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