With the heat turned all the way up this summer, our scientists break down all things SPF - the truths and the myths.
This summer has turned up the heat, hasn’t it? We’ve been seeing record-breaking temperatures, and with that comes a whole new level of sun exposure. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their peak right now, and the impact on our skin goes way beyond just getting a sunburn.
Just think about it: spending too much time in the sun without protection can speed up the ageing process of our skin, weaken our immune system, and, most importantly, it significantly raises the chances of developing skin cancers, including the most serious one, melanoma.
So, when we talk about using SPF (Sun Protection Factor), it's really not just about staying comfortable or keeping a tan. It’s a vital, evidence-based step in protecting your long-term health. Given how intense this summer has been, making smart choices about sun exposure is more important than ever.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a scientific measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin, specifically from the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. So if your skin usually starts to turn red after just 10 minutes in the sun, using an SPF 30 sunscreen means you could theoretically extend that time by 30 times. It’s really about boosting your skin’s natural defence against those UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and even lead to skin cancer.
Beyond SPF and its focus on UVB, there’s another major player in sun damage: UVA radiation. In fact, UVA makes up about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches us here on Earth. This means that every time you step outside, no matter the season or even if it’s cloudy, you’re getting a hefty dose of it. UVA rays are the main culprits behind photoaging, which can result in wrinkles, a loss of skin elasticity, leathery texture, and uneven pigmentation. These rays penetrate deeply, damaging collagen and elastin fibres.
Even though we’re aware of the dangers posed by harmful rays, there’s still a ton of misinformation floating around about how to protect our skin from the sun. Let’s take a moment to debunk some common SPF myths that could be putting your skin at risk.
One common misconception is that SPF indicates how long you can safely bask in the sun, when in fact, it measures how much UVB radiation is blocked. While it might seem like higher SPF numbers provide significantly more protection, the reality is that they provide only a minimal difference in UVB ray filtration.
As is evident, the gap in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is quite small. It’s important to remember that no sunscreen can block 100% rays, and those higher SPF numbers only give you a slight edge. The key takeaway? Make sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, no matter what SPF you’re using, to keep that protection going strong. For reliable broad-spectrum protection that covers UVB and UVA, check out PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF30 and Jan Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45
It’s a common myth that people with darker skin are completely safe from sun damage because they have more melanin. While it’s true that melanin provides some level of protection, about the equivalent of SPF 13, this is significantly lower than the recommended SPF 30 or higher. All skin types can be affected by UV rays, and sunburn can definitely happen, especially if you’re out in the sun for a long time.
Although skin cancer is less frequent in those with darker skin, it tends to be diagnosed at later stages, which can make treatment more difficult and lower survival rates. Plus, UV exposure can lead to photoaging, uneven skin tone, and aggravate conditions like melasma.
So, it’s crucial for everyone, even those with the richest skin tones, to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, especially when spending extended time outdoors. For consistent, broad-spectrum defence, consider Zelens Daily Defence Sunscreen SPF 30. It supports DNA repair and cell energy with vitamin B12, making it ideal for daily use.
Did you know that up to 90% of UV rays can sneak through clouds, hitting your skin even on those grey, overcast days? Research shows that even a partly cloudy sky can boost surface UV radiation by 25% and ramp up DNA damage by as much as 40%.
Plus, UVA rays, which are responsible for skin ageing and cancer, can penetrate barriers like windows as well. That’s why it’s super important to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, no matter how sunny it looks outside, to protect yourself from these invisible UV threats.
For reliable daily defence, consider options like:
Makeup products that include SPF can offer some level of sun protection, but chances are you’re not applying enough to achieve the coverage they claim. Research shows that putting sunscreen on before your makeup can really enhance your overall SPF, making up for the usually small amount of makeup you use. If you’re just relying on the SPF in your makeup without proper sunscreen, you probably won’t get the protection you need.
If you’re looking for good coverage and protection, you might want to try pairing PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 (50ml) with Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder with SPF 20. This duo brings out the best in both products, giving you excellent defence against the sun!
So, what’s the best way to use sunscreen? Let’s dive into the key guidelines for applying it correctly and ensuring you stay protected for longer.
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, the key is making smart, consistent choices. Turn sun care into a daily routine; your skin will definitely appreciate it!
