Photo credit: Ben Mcleod on Flickr.com
Banana Tone has SPF this and Copper Boat has UVB that. In the sphere of protecting yourself from the sun there are so many different ways to measure sun tan lotion. The following is a list of common phrases attached to the world of skin protection, what each of them does and what you should look for in each bottle.
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: To put it simply, sunblock blocks the UVA and UVB rays, while sunscreen chemically absorbs them. Some studies have shown that sunblock is better at taking care of UVA rays, but since there has been no conclusive evidence, either will provide adequate protection.
UVA: Ultraviolet-A are long-wave solar rays that can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. These waves are a major component in skin aging, wrinkling, and actually increases the effects of UVB’s cancer causing abilities.
UVB: Ultraviolet-B are short-wave solar rays that do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, but cause a much greater deal of damage on the exterior part of the skin or epidermis. These rays are not only responsible for tanning, but also Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamos Cell Carcinoma and certain types of Melanoma.
Beware of Tanning: According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning actually causes damage to the skins DNA. The darkening of the skin is the body’s way of preventing any more damage.
SPF: This stands for Sun Protection Factor and it mainly gauges how long it will take for you to turn red from UVB rays with sunscreen vs. without sunscreen. For example, say it takes you 15 minutes to burn without sunscreen. If you’re using an SPF 15 sunscreen it should take about 4 hours and 5 minutes (about 15 times longer) for you to turn red.
Recommendations:
- SPF 15 blocks/absorbs about 93% of all UVB rays, SPF 30 97% and SPF 50 about 98%
- When applying sunscreen it should be a little thick to ensure absorption onto ones skin.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and when coming out of the water from swimming
When using sunscreen, just remember to follow these simple guidelines and you will be well on your way to having fun in the sun.
Compiled with information from:
The Skin Cancer Foundation with Dr. John H. Epstein, MD & Dr. Stephen Q. Wang, MD
JaxMed with Dr. Charles H. Booras, MD
Don’t leave home without it. Especially on your face. Find a moisturizer with SPF and take care of your skin. When you are turning 50 your skin will thank you. Thanks Fitz for sharing such great info
Was not aware of the SPF calculation. Important info I’ve never seen published anywhere before. Thanks.