Do Higher SPF Sunscreen Products Work Better?
When you purchase sunscreen products, what is the first thing you usually look at?
I bet it’s the SPF, and whichever sunscreen product has the highest SPF, it’s the one that usually goes into your shopping basket.
But does a higher SPF mean the sunblock works better?
Sunblock Product Myth Exposed
A sunscreen with a SPF of 60 does not make it twice as effective in blocking UV rays than SPF30 products.
To put it into perspective, a SPF 15 suncream will block roughly 93% of UV light while another suncream of SPF 30 will block 97% of the ultra violet light.
So an SPF 60 will only be a slight improvement to 97% since the maximum benefit is limited to 100% which is so far impossible with any sunscreen product.
Of all the sunscreen products out on the market, the maximum rate of blocking achieved is 97-98%.
FDA Updates Sunscreen Labeling
Labeling is one of the most important aspects to a customer because whether you know it or not, it’s the descriptions on the label that also determine which sunscreen or skin care product we choose over another.
This is why under new regulations by the FDA, sunblock can no longer have anything above SPF50+.
Under new regulations, the terms “sunblock,” “waterproof,” “sweat-proof,” and “all-day protection” will no longer be allowed on sunscreen labels.
How to Get the Most Out of Sunscreen
To get the most out of the sunscreen you already own, you must apply enough of the product on your skin in order to get the protection needed.
Most people complain that a sunscreen product doesn’t work but it’s usually because they have applied so little.
According to British Journal of Dermatology (January 2007), the actual effectiveness of blocking UV rays dramatically decrease than the indicated SPF level on the product if you don’t apply enough of it. Studies also show that people apply only 10% of recommended amounts. For every 1㎠ of skin, 2mg of sunscreen is required to be effective.
So people end up applying a SPF30 sunscreen but apply so little that they are using the equivalent of a SPF5-10.
Find a Product Best For You
However, if you dislike putting on a thick coat of suncream, a higher SPF may work but remember that frequent applications is necessary.
If you are in the water, apply even more regularly. At least every hour as there are no such things as “water proof” suncreams. That is just marketing talk.
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August 21st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
wow thanks for the useful article. I was the one thinking of higher SPF as more effective sun blocking products. You’ve also mentioned that “For every 1㎠ of skin, 2mg of sunscreen is required to be effective”. I am curious how much it would be but I think it’s important to apply enough of it. thanks again VANYA!