If you're looking for a sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, you may often use the SPF number to determine which sunscreen is the best protection. However, do you really know the differences in the numbers? With so many different SPF numbers that can range from 2 to 100, the choice can actually become more difficult because many consumers can find themselves confused when looking at the options. Check out this reference guide to learn what SPF really means and when the numbers begin to become irrelevant.
What is SPF?
Majority of the sunscreens on the market often use SPF to differentiate the amount of protection they provide and SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. One would assume that the higher number offers better protection than a lower number, which in theory is correct, but there comes a point when the number and the level of protection cease to differentiate from other SPF values. For instance, studies and research have shown that the amount of protection in a sunscreen with a SPF of 50 is essentially the highest level of protection and any number greater than 50 doesn’t constitute greater protection.
Consumers will assume that a SPF of 100 is two times better than SPF of 50 when in reality, the additional 'protection' is marginally superior. According to research from The Environmental Working Group, sunscreen with a SPF of 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays (sunburn rays) and a SPF of 100 blocks one more percent of sunburn rays. As you can see, there is not a vast difference between the two and you may be spending more money on a higher SPF for the same protection.
Higher SPF Sunscreen can be a Health Risk
Sunscreens that go beyond SPF 50 may actually increase your chances of a health risk because these types of products require higher concentrations of sun-filtering ingredients. When higher levels of these chemicals are absorbed into the skin and penetrate deep into the tissue, they have been connected with tissues damage and even hormone disruption. On top of that, these higher concentrations could trigger allergic skin reactions which will be heightened if you have sensitive skin.
As a general rule of thumb, don't purchase sunscreen with a SPF value higher than 50 because of the above reasons. Additionally, choose the top natural sunscreens that feature a SPF of 50 and are formulated with natural ingredients to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction and for the best skin protection against the sun's damaging rays.
What is SPF?
Majority of the sunscreens on the market often use SPF to differentiate the amount of protection they provide and SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. One would assume that the higher number offers better protection than a lower number, which in theory is correct, but there comes a point when the number and the level of protection cease to differentiate from other SPF values. For instance, studies and research have shown that the amount of protection in a sunscreen with a SPF of 50 is essentially the highest level of protection and any number greater than 50 doesn’t constitute greater protection.
Consumers will assume that a SPF of 100 is two times better than SPF of 50 when in reality, the additional 'protection' is marginally superior. According to research from The Environmental Working Group, sunscreen with a SPF of 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays (sunburn rays) and a SPF of 100 blocks one more percent of sunburn rays. As you can see, there is not a vast difference between the two and you may be spending more money on a higher SPF for the same protection.
Higher SPF Sunscreen can be a Health Risk
Sunscreens that go beyond SPF 50 may actually increase your chances of a health risk because these types of products require higher concentrations of sun-filtering ingredients. When higher levels of these chemicals are absorbed into the skin and penetrate deep into the tissue, they have been connected with tissues damage and even hormone disruption. On top of that, these higher concentrations could trigger allergic skin reactions which will be heightened if you have sensitive skin.
As a general rule of thumb, don't purchase sunscreen with a SPF value higher than 50 because of the above reasons. Additionally, choose the top natural sunscreens that feature a SPF of 50 and are formulated with natural ingredients to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction and for the best skin protection against the sun's damaging rays.