Shedding light on SPF Sunscreens

Choosing the right one can be life-changing, so please read on and share this information with friends and family.

1. UVA vs UVB

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The best UVA protection you can get because UVA is up to 95% of the UV rays hitting your skin (whereas UVB is only around 5%). Protection against ‘UVAging’ as it’s called, is essential for any meaningful daily anti-aging care regime. It’s life insurance for your skin to help prevent new wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Plus, importantly in helping prevent skin cancer and other immune-related health problems. So, your skin needs the highest UVA sunscreen – way more than a regular ‘Broad spectrum’ sunscreen which provides a maximum of only one third the protection from UVA that you’re getting from UVB. Stay tuned to find out more, because it’s not easy to find out the actual UVA Protection Factor for most sunscreens.

2. What is SPF

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Sun Protection Factor called SPF measures UVB protection, also referred to as ‘UVBurning’. A Very High SPF or High SPF helps protect the skin from sunburn damage, redness, discomfort, and skin cancer. Importantly SPF sunscreen alone does not protect against UVA. Surprisingly the difference in UVB protection between SPF 30 and SPF sunscreen 100 is only 2%. SPF sunscreen 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation, SPF sunscreen 50 blocks about 98%, and SPF sunscreen 100 blocks about 99%.

3. What is Blue Light

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Blue Light (HEV or High Energy Visible Light) is mainly from the sun. It’s what makes the sky blue. In addition, it’s also emitted by LEDs, fluorescent lighting, and electronic devices such as computers, phones, or TV screens. In conclusion, if you’re someone spending a major part of their day exposed to HEV, remember conventional sunscreens will not protect your skin against it. There are smart ways to avoid the blues and HEV’s damaging effects on your skin.

4. Daily sunscreen

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Daily skin protection and pollution repair are other necessities for many people worldwide. Notably, potent antioxidant networks are proven to help neutralize oxidation within the skin. Their regular application can prevent skin flora imbalances, sensitivity, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation problems.

5. Sensitive skin

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If you have sensitive skin, you need a daily sunscreen that is skin flora friendly. Always choose a dermatologist-tested product and make sure it’s free from allergens including the #1 – fragrances. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can lift skin’s pH to that of bad bacteria or pathogens. Therefore, it’s important to choose a product that has a similar pH to your skin’s, as this will support your skin’s good bacteria (probiotics) to thrive. In doing so your skin will feel more comfortable, without allergies or sensitivity.

6. Non toxic SPF sunscreen

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Choose based on supporting and protecting your skin AND body’s health. Sunscreen shouldn’t have hormone-disrupting chemicals in it such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Look for safe, high quality, natural and organic filters too, as there is a big difference in their level of safety, protection and photostability.

Nano or non-nano sunscreen? Much smaller, ‘nano’ sized ingredient particles can be absorbed into your body where they accumulate and can cause damage. Importantly, there is no legislation requiring zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens from stating they’re nano. If these sunscreens feel gluey and chalky then it’s a good indication they’re non-nano and safe to use, although not pleasant to wear! If not, then the chances are they’re nano.

7. Invisible SPF sunscreen

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How does it feel or look like on your skin? Anything you’re going to apply to your skin daily (or more than daily) has got to be very comfortable to wear, easy to apply and invisible, especially if being worn with makeup.

8. Reef safe SPF sunscreen

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Safe for the planet as well as you. Look for sunscreens that are non-GMO as well as non-nano and importantly are ocean and reef safe. Hawaii is leading the world in banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or other chemicals toxic to marine life.

9. Cruelty free SPF sunscreen

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Not tested on animals SPF sunscreen really goes without saying. Always look for symbols or icons that state the sunscreen is never ever tested on animals.

10. Family SPF sunscreen

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Is it the best sunscreen for children? Skin damage is cumulative so remember to apply then re-apply sunscreen. Be Sun Smart and keep babies especially and children out of the sun during peak burning hours. Protective eyewear, hats and clothing are an absolute must. The best sunscreen is one that gives the highest protection against UVA and UVB. For older children choose a product that also helps protect them from High Energy Blue light from the sun and digital devices.

Look out for more in-depth blogs on the above subjects at Skinara.com Blue Light and your skin