Sunscreen is your BFF

As we head into the long 4th of July weekend, it is a good time to remember that SPF 50 does not mean you can be in the sun 50 times longer. 

If you did not already know, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it is a widely important protector for our skin. SPF helps block ultraviolet rays (UV rays) which reduces the chances of getting a sunburn and creating damage to the skin. Whether it is sunny or cloudy, ultraviolet rays are present and can cause sun damage, especially in the summer months.

So how does SPF work? It is a measure of the fraction of sunburn producing UV rays that reach the skin when sunscreen is applied. For example, a sunscreen that is SPF 30, will allow 1/30 of the UV through. An SPF 50 will allow 1/50 of the UV, which is about 2x less. While this is an imperfect measurement on sun damage, it is smart to look for sunscreens labeled broad spectrum. The American Dermatology Association (ADA) recommends one that's labeled “broad-spectrum,” because this means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

It is also important to note that a higher SPF rating does not mean the sunscreen will last longer. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours during sun exposure, and after swimming or even sweating. Reapplication is necessary because sunscreen works by forming a protective layer on top of the skin. The product can easily be rubbed off by moisture, rubbing, and even sunlight itself.

While a sunburn often turns into a golden tan after a few days, it is still a radiation burn to the skin. The long term effects of sunburn won’t just leave you with wrinkles but also the risk of skin cancer. This includes melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. You can read more about melanoma and skin cancer here. 

The skincare foundation states that 90% of aging stems from the amount of time spent exposed to the sun. Since sunscreen protects every skin type, nobody should be skipping their daily application of sunscreen no matter your skin tone. Hopefully you are now an SPF advocate and will spread the importance of sunscreen as well as keeping your skin safe.