topic Re: SPF Info in Beauty

SPF Info

Katluvr58 — Wed, 21 May 2014 20:16:37 GMT

Found an article online from the NY Times regarding sunscreens.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/fashion/14SKIN.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration proposed capping SPF at 50+, but it still isn’t set in stone. So in the cap’s absence, a marketing battle is raging, fought on the turf best understood by beachgoers.

“It captures the consumers’ attention, the high SPF,” said Dr. Elma D. Baron, an assistant professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University who sees patients at hospitals in Cleveland. “Just walking down the drugstore aisle and seeing a SPF 90 or 95, they assume, ‘This is what I need.’ ”

But that’s not necessarily the case. No SPF, not even 100+, offers 100 percent protection. What’s more, both UVA and UVB radiation can lead to skin cancer, which is why dermatologists now advise using sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 and UVA-fighting ingredients like an avobenzone that doesn’t degrade in light or Mexoryl SX.

The difference in UVB protection between an SPF 100 and SPF 50 is marginal. Far from offering double the blockage, SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. (SPF 30, that old-timer, holds its own, deflecting 96.7 percent).

A sunscreen’s SPF number is calculated by comparing the time needed for a person to burn unprotected with how long it takes for that person to burn wearing sunscreen. So a person who turns red after 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is theoretically protected 15 times longer if they adequately apply SPF 15. Because a lot of sunscreens rub off or don’t stay put, dermatologists advise reapplication every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

“As you get higher and higher, it’s not really a practical difference,” said Dr. David M. Pariser, the president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Re: SPF Info

myshell624 — Wed, 21 May 2014 21:15:10 GMT

I use a spf 30 sunscreen and my CC cream has spf 30. Most of those high spf sunscreens are too irritating to have anywhere near my eyes. I apply my Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Spf 30, which is all zinc oxide, all around my eyes with no irritation. Thanks for posting the article. I am sure there are a lot of people who think higher spf have more protection.

Re: SPF Info

Katluvr58 — Wed, 21 May 2014 23:11:16 GMT

On 5/21/2014 myshell624 said:
I use a spf 30 sunscreen and my CC cream has spf 30. Most of those high spf sunscreens are too irritating to have anywhere near my eyes. I apply my Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Spf 30, which is all zinc oxide, all around my eyes with no irritation. Thanks for posting the article. I am sure there are a lot of people who think higher spf have more protection.

You are welcome. I know it confused me.

Re: SPF Info

kmbcincy — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:02:21 GMT

I had skin cancer 13 years ago. My dermatologist told me that he thought sunscreen was only effective to a point and while he strongly recommended that I wear it on exposed areas like my face, neck and hands, for protection against reflected sunlight, he said I needed a PHYSICAL block. He told me about Sun Precautions, a company started by a melanoma survivor, which makes sun protective clothing, hats, parasols, etc. Knowing how sensitive my skin is, he said that rather than using a high SPF, I could "layer" a lower SPF. I have done that, using DHC's White Sunscreen SPF 25, and wearing Solumbra Hats, using their Parasols, and have had no recurrence of skin cancer. Hope this helps!!!

Re: SPF Info

GloriBee — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:03:56 GMT

Thanks for the article.

Re: SPF Info

Katluvr58 — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:40:29 GMT

On 5/22/2014 kmbcincy said: I had skin cancer 13 years ago. My dermatologist told me that he thought sunscreen was only effective to a point and while he strongly recommended that I wear it on exposed areas like my face, neck and hands, for protection against reflected sunlight, he said I needed a PHYSICAL block. He told me about Sun Precautions, a company started by a melanoma survivor, which makes sun protective clothing, hats, parasols, etc. Knowing how sensitive my skin is, he said that rather than using a high SPF, I could "layer" a lower SPF. I have done that, using DHC's White Sunscreen SPF 25, and wearing Solumbra Hats, using their Parasols, and have had no recurrence of skin cancer. Hope this helps!!!

Thank you. I have vitiligo and yesterday I had to go out. I am currently using a lightening agent to get rid of some pigmented spots as well as retin a. Anyway yesterday I put on JM SPF47, then an Aloe SPF 35 and then a sunmilk SPF45. No new spots thank goodness. I do get confused about all the different products though.

Re: SPF Info

kmbcincy — Thu, 22 May 2014 16:18:54 GMT

On 5/22/2014 Katluvr58 said:
On 5/22/2014 kmbcincy said: I had skin cancer 13 years ago. My dermatologist told me that he thought sunscreen was only effective to a point and while he strongly recommended that I wear it on exposed areas like my face, neck and hands, for protection against reflected sunlight, he said I needed a PHYSICAL block. He told me about Sun Precautions, a company started by a melanoma survivor, which makes sun protective clothing, hats, parasols, etc. Knowing how sensitive my skin is, he said that rather than using a high SPF, I could "layer" a lower SPF. I have done that, using DHC's White Sunscreen SPF 25, and wearing Solumbra Hats, using their Parasols, and have had no recurrence of skin cancer. Hope this helps!!!

Thank you. I have vitiligo and yesterday I had to go out. I am currently using a lightening agent to get rid of some pigmented spots as well as retin a. Anyway yesterday I put on JM SPF47, then an Aloe SPF 35 and then a sunmilk SPF45. No new spots thank goodness. I do get confused about all the different products though.

I know. Sometimes you are overwhelmed by all the numbers and competing brand information. I remember how relieved I felt when my doctor told me I could layer the lower SPF because I had struggled to find a sunscreen I could tolerate. Thanks goodness for Sun Precautions as well...I really credit their products for saving my skin. I really rely on their hats, scarves and parasols to block the sun's skin damaging rays!! :-)

Re: SPF Info

Katluvr58 — Thu, 22 May 2014 17:39:46 GMT

Thank you about the Sun Precautions. The hats are a bit costly but the sunscreens are in my ball park. Solbar is one that my derm gave me samples of many years ago when I was first diagnosed.

Re: SPF Info

kmbcincy — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:25:45 GMT

On 5/22/2014 Katluvr58 said:
Thank you about the Sun Precautions. The hats are a bit costly but the sunscreens are in my ball park. Solbar is one that my derm gave me samples of many years ago when I was first diagnosed.

Re: SPF Info

Wackers3 — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:37:00 GMT

I read yesterday that they are now recommending pregnant women NOT to use the chemical sunscreen avobenzone ............ read it on the Truth-in-Aging Site from an email link about the latest Good HouseKeeping SOA on skincare and related products. Marta, the founder breaks down all the products by ingredients, much like Paula's Choice site does. They didn't fare well at all and the sunscreen on Good HouseKeeping's list was just under $100 which is absurd. Especially since it had chemical spf ingredients~

Re: SPF Info

customerqvc2 — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:48:15 GMT

On 5/22/2014 kmbcincy said: I had skin cancer 13 years ago. My dermatologist told me that he thought sunscreen was only effective to a point and while he strongly recommended that I wear it on exposed areas like my face, neck and hands, for protection against reflected sunlight, he said I needed a PHYSICAL block. He told me about Sun Precautions, a company started by a melanoma survivor, which makes sun protective clothing, hats, parasols, etc. Knowing how sensitive my skin is, he said that rather than using a high SPF, I could "layer" a lower SPF. I have done that, using DHC's White Sunscreen SPF 25, and wearing Solumbra Hats, using their Parasols, and have had no recurrence of skin cancer. Hope this helps!!!

Thank you so much for letting us know about Sun Precautions and laying lower SPF sunscreens. The higher SPFs are so irritating and burn my eyes.

Re: SPF Info

Yahooey — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:58:25 GMT

I have ezcema and I breakout easily. I'm trying to do a physical sunscreen on my face and currently using JM moisturizer with SPF. My skin doesn't react to it which is great except I sweat and the sunscreen slides right off. I used to put sweat proof sunscreen on my face. It is all so confusing and thank you for all the info supplied by everyone. Keep it coming.

Re: SPF Info

Wackers3 — Thu, 22 May 2014 21:00:03 GMT

Thanks for posting this - many do get confused about how SPFs work. I read here the other day someone who thought that the SPF rating referred to the amount of time you could be in the sun before reapplying ......... in other words, an SPF of 15 meant you had to reapply after 15 minutes, a 30 spf meant you had to reapply after 30 and so on. If that was the case, many would never get much done as they'd be reapplying their sunscreen all day long.

It is always beneficial when we hav threads like these that explain how certain skincare products really do function.

Re: SPF Info

customerqvc2 — Fri, 23 May 2014 01:47:56 GMT

My friend thought that EACH product you put on added additional sunscreen. So, if she put on a product with SPF of 15 and then put on another product of SPF 15, and finally added another product of SPF 15, then she had SPF total of 45 on her face. Her doctor said that isn't really how it works and she ended up with skin cancer. She had to have a big chunk taken out of her temple area skin. She learned her lesson and now she is wearing products with SPF values that are a bit higher than SPF 15 to begin with.

Re: SPF Info

Katluvr58 — Fri, 23 May 2014 15:14:08 GMT

In a way I guess I am almost glad that I have the vitiligo. I have been staying out of the sun for years now and wearing sunscreen. I still really need a hat though. I just hate hat hair, lol.

Re: SPF Info

SandGirl — Fri, 23 May 2014 18:31:03 GMT

I wear SPF 30 or higher every day but, I have to say, I feel like I am doomed any way I look at it.

I am only 42 and tanned in my teens & 20’s and never worse SPF, I am moley anyways and have already had 16 moles

Removed L They all came back fine but I do worry about the years to come.

I still cont. to wear SPF but just feel like it’s a little to late anyways!

Re: SPF Info

sidsmom — Fri, 23 May 2014 18:40:37 GMT

I "eat" my sunscreen. Lots & lots of berries, greens, fruits/veggies. I start off 10 min. each side & build up to 30 min by end of summer. Not one single burn in the past...and I can guarantee no burn this year. No skin damage...I just had a dermatologist body check last week. If you are healthy inside, those antioxidants will protect you for a desirable amount of time.

Sunscreens have waaaay too many chemicals for me to feel comfortable. More & more research is saying sunscreen is a cause for cancer.

Re: SPF Info

SandGirl — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:04:47 GMT

On 5/23/2014 sidsmom said:
I "eat" my sunscreen. Lots & lots of berries, greens, fruits/veggies. I start off 10 min. each side & build up to 30 min by end of summer. Not one single burn in the past...and I can guarantee no burn this year. No skin damage...I just had a dermatologist body check last week. If you are healthy inside, those antioxidants will protect you for a desirable amount of time.

Sunscreens have waaaay too many chemicals for me to feel comfortable. More & more research is saying sunscreen is a cause for cancer.

I couldn't agree more but, what about when you are on Vacation - That's the issue I have, we are in the sun ALL DAY LONG, playing in the water, paddle boarding, surfing, hanging at the beach. Would you wear a low chemical sunscreen for that? I've looked at Ava Andreson non toxic and they have some that rate very low on the EWG site.

Re: SPF Info

sueinsf — Fri, 23 May 2014 22:06:52 GMT

On 5/23/2014 sidsmom said:
More & more research is saying sunscreen is a cause for cancer.

I would be interested to read some of this research.

Re: SPF Info

suzyQ3 — Fri, 23 May 2014 23:49:01 GMT

Please, everybody, do not buy into the idea that you can eat your way to avoiding skin damage and worse from the sun.

Use a sunscreen that you are comfortable with, whether it's physical (my preference) or chemical or a combination thereof, and use it liberally and often.

The damage from UV rays cannot be overstated --from pesky sun spots and discoloration, to premature aging of the skin, to disfiguring tests for cancer, and of course to one or more of the three types of skin cancer.

Compare the risks of not protecting yourself with the controversial claims of health risks from sunscreen. Just ask the American Academy of Dermatology and all other respected medical groups in the field.

One of the best things you can do to protect your beauty and your life is to wear sunscreen.