SPF truths

The internet is an amazing resource. Many of us are surfing the web to learn about the safety of skincare products in an effort to be more healthy and "natural". But the information we get can be confusing, misleading and sometimes just downright wrong.

One concern that has been raised has been the safety of sunscreen. Most sunscreens today contain either a "chemical" or "mechanical" sunscreen or a combination of the two.

An important note on the word: chemical.

1. It refers to how something is composed, we humans are ALL A BUNCH OF CHEMICALS.
2. Chemicals are not the opposite of natural because all "natural" ingredients have a chemical composition. 
3. Nor is chemical the opposite of organic for the same reason. Also some ingredients that are strongly disliked by those going natural and organic, such as mineral oil and petrolatum, are in and of themselves both natural and organic - they are mined from the earth.
4. Chemical sunscreen actually refers to how the sunscreen works on the skin ie: it can penetrate the surface of the skin to protect.

Back to Sunscreens.

Chemical Sunscreen

• A chemical sunscreen works by penetrating past the surface layer of the skin to protect the deeper tissues. 
• It is more likely to be water and sweat resistant. 
• Also it leaves no color on the skin, it usually has a lighter texture so it can be used in spray sunscreens.
• It is safe and generally well tolerated except by the most sensitive skins that may experience a mild stinging with some of the chemical sunscreens. 
• Chemical sunscreens are excellent UVB protection but mediocre UVA protections with the exception of the new FDA approved Mexoryl SX which offers a broader UVA protections.

Mechanical Sunscreen

• A mechanical sunscreen sits on the surface like a shield. 
• They are not water resistant but they offer the broadest range of both UVB and UVA protection. 
• It does not penetrate so sensitive skins tolerate it much better. 
• It is heavier in texture, it tends to leave a color on the skin (white or gray). But with the new technology of micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (the only mechanical sunscreens available) both the texture is lighter and the color film dramatically minimized.

Urban Legends

Web stories that zinc and titanium can penetrate the skin and be harmful are FALSE. The minerals can not penetrate even in their micronized form and are safe.
The broadest spectrum UVB and UVA sunscreen ingredient on the market today is ZINC OXIDE!

NOTE: Zinc oxide has been used in the form of Desitin on babies bottoms for years with no harmful effects. If it is safe enough for our infants surely it is safe enough for us.

Truth in labeling

• One of the concerns with sunscreen labeling are the SPF ratings. The higher SPF's are not better. To increase an SPF of 30 to a 45, manufacturers have to double the about of sunscreen ingredients but only get a 1 to 1.5% increase in protection. An SPF 30 is only 3% better than a SPF 15. 
• Plus all sunscreens wipe off, sweat off or rub off after 2 hours so all sunscreens need to be reapplied especially when outdoors, sweating or in water; even the SPF 90's. 
• The chemical sunscreens in high quantities are more likely to sting and irritate the skin. The FDA aims to update the SPF labeling, follow the link for more information.

Trick to Sunscreen

• The trick to Sunscreen is to use a sunscreen or sunblock (they are the same thing, just different names) with at least an SPF 15 and put ENOUGH on to actually get that SPF protection.
• How much is enough? For the entire body the SPF is based on applying 1 ounce, thats one SHOT GLASS, of sunscreen head to toe. 
• So an 8 oz bottle of Sunscreen should only last for 8 applications when you are at the beach. How long did you have your last bottle of SPF?

For the Face, neck and decollete (upper chest) apply 2 finger lengths of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside.

Sunscreen in your moisturizer?

• Moisturizers and makeup that contain sunscreen usually only have a chemical sunscreen and not enough to give the full SPF coverage. 
• Also who puts on 2 finger lengths of moisturizer or makeup. 
• It is better than no sun protection but it call create a false sense of safety, so no long walks in the sun thinking your spf makeup has got you covered.

Powder Sunscreens are great for reapplying your protection during the day, right before you go for that long walk for example. But I dont recommend it as a primary sun protection because you may not apply it evenly, it is easy to miss spots and not know it, and it may be hard to apply enough powder to get the full Spf rating.

I know this is a lot of information. But the skin cancer rates are dramatically increasing especially in younger and younger people. Misinformation simply puts us at higher risk and I believe Knowledge is power.

 But Sunscreen alone is not enough. Staying out of tanning beds, (visual proof of tanning beds real results), wearing protective clothing, hats and eyewear and minimizing sun exposure are all needed to keep us protected.

So in regards to just the use of sunscreen, my recommendation is if you only do one thing in the morning, please, please apply your 2 finger lengths of sunscreen to your face, neck, decollete, ears (dont forget your ears) and the back of your hands (we get lots of sun on the hands when driving, and who needs age spots) .

Please get this information out to your friends and family, all of us need to protect our skin, dispel the myths and minimize our risk of sun related damage and skin cancers.

Michelle G. Lathe,
Tuscany Spa's resident sunscreen fanatic :)