What's the Deal with SPF: All the Myths, Facts, and What You Need to Know and Follow this Summer to Keep Yourself Positively Radiant
We’re answering all the questions and debunking all the myths surrounding SPF so that you can walk into summer protected and confident that your skincare health game is on point!
So, let’s dive on in!
MYTHS
We’ll go ahead and break the ice with some debunking. There are soooo many myths surrounding proper skin care (aka sun damage prevention) during warmer seasons. Here are some of the more common ones that everyone needs to hear:
If you wear SPF you are protected and will not get any sun damage.
Unfortunately, not totally true. The fact is, even if you are extremely disciplined at putting on your SPF, it’s the UVA and UVB exposure over time that is the concern. Even small increments of time in the sun can add up and cause skin damage, which can sometimes lead to greater issues, such as melanomas. This is why it’s extremely important to do skin checks regularly, and note any potential concerns that you can keep track of over time. (Usually doing this at least at the start of summer each year is a good place to start.)
If it’s cloudy outside, you don’t need to worry about sunburn/ sun damage.
This is a myth that does seem to be a bit more popular, so we’ve met more people that know it simply isn’t the case. However, they aren’t always really clear on WHY. In essence, the clouds give a false sense of security, as they are seen as an extra barrier from the sun. In actuality, 70%-80% of UV rays penetrate through cloud coverage, and are intensified when reflected on snow, sand or water. Bottom line: ALWAYS APPLY THE SUNBLOCK!
Get a base tan. Your skin will get used to the intensity of the sun and help protect you against damage or getting burned.
Yet again, this just is not true. Sun damage is sun damage. PERIOD. And a base tan to help “prepare” your skin for the season will just further damage your skin and clock more of that UVA/UVB exposure.
Using a spray on sunblock is still protecting your skin.
Yes and no on this one. Yes, these types of sunscreen offer some protection, but the entire idea behind these is convenience. The ability to quickly spray on a little something and go about your day at the water, and also feel as though you’ve adequately protected yourself just doesn’t add up logically. For these products to work, there must be an ample amount applied and, on top of that, rubbed in thoroughly (some even need time to sit before you go into water or get sweaty). So, yes, these are great, but there’s still that caveat of using it in the most beneficial way, not the way it’s been marketed to consumers.
FACTS
Alright, great! We’ve busted some myths and now can really get to a point where you can be equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the right summertime skin care options for you. To start, we’ll give a little info on what sunblock is and its purpose (if it’s name doesn’t completely give it away 😉).
Sunblock, or sunscreen, is meant to act as an additional barrier to the sun, but more specifically, to help better protect your skin from the UVB and UVA rays. Quick lesson on the difference between these two:
UVB: these are the ones directly responsible for sunburn, skin discoloration, redness, UVB radiation, and also contribute to skin cancer.
UVA: These rays penetrate much deeper than UVB, and because of that are much more of a concern. The trouble with them is that you don’t feel them burning your skin, and they are the dominant tanning ray of the two. This is the one to blame for long-term skin damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and the destruction of collagen that leads to skin sagging, and also causes certain types of skin cancer. (Extra Fact: these rays can penetrate through glass and clouds, and are most certainly in tanning booths. Make sure that your sun protection has a 4-5 star UVA rating, because SPF doesn’t protect you from UVA rays!
So, now that we’ve got that covered (no pun intended), what’s next? Not all sunscreens are created equal and one may be better for you over another. Here’s some nibbles for you to be sun safe:
Physical vs Chemical Sunblock
Physical sunblock reflects UV rays away from the skin. For example, mineral sunscreens are physical sunblocks that use the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These are thicker and more moisturizing, so are less irritating and a lot better for those with sensitive skin than chemical sunblock. However, because of this, they can take longer to rub in and leave a white residue. They also wash off when you get in water or sweat excessively. Those with acne-prone or oily skin might find this too thick and clogging on skin.
Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them from your body. They are lighter in consistency, so soak in more quickly and blend better. It’s a great option if you’ll be swimming or sweating, and is more protective against damaging UVA radiation. Be aware that some of these products can cause allergic reactions and irritation for sensitive skin. Research also suggests that these may cause free radical damage from long-term use and may also be linked to other detrimental health effects.
Sunscreen expires: just like any beauty product, there is a point that it just will no longer do the job. Be sure to check your label to see when it’s time to toss yours.
Sunblock is one of the most important tools in the prevention of skin cancer and other damages.
Easy RULES To Adopt
To recap alllll the awesome info we’ve covered in this piece, here’s a quick run down of general rules to follow for fun in the sun:
Skin checks: check for discoloration, but also keep an eye out on any pre-existing moles. Here’s some changes you’ll want to look out for regularly:
Change in size: the mole looks unusual, asymmetrical, or irregular
Border: the border becomes blurred, ill-defined, or irregular
Color: more than two colors appear in the mole including brown, black, or light areas giving a blotchy appearance. A very dark or black appearance can occur.
Diameter: if a mole is enlarging, check in with your doctor and get it looked at.
Make sure you use a lip balm with SPF. It may sound silly, but burnt lips are ZERO fun. (It’s also a good idea to blend it, or your regular sunblock, into your hairline.)
Big floppy hats aren’t just in style, they’re utilitarian too! They help by being a physical barrier from the sun and, if you get them in lighter colors, can help you stay a little cooler (and thus, not sweat as much. YAY!)
Tinted Sunscreen: makes for a great facial primer AND protects against those longer wavelengths, like blue light from phones and computers. Yes, please!
Broadspectrum sunscreens are the best because they block against both UVB and UVA rays. Our favorite is hands down the Prevention+ line from Image skincare. There are so many different products that suit whatever your needs are, are broad spectrum, AND help protect against blue light from phones, devices, and the sun, and is free of the chemical oxybenzone, which has been shown to be hazardous to our health by the FDA, though research is still ongoing. (You can check out our shop and get the best product for your needs HERE.)
Aim for a sunblock with AT LEAST 30 SPF. An SPF of this minimum protection factor blocks 97% of the sun’s rays.
No sunscreen is water or sweat proof. Make sure the products you’re reading show either a Water Resistant (effective for 40 minutes in water) or Very Water Resistant (effective for up to 80 minutes in water) rating.
Children under the age of 6 months should typically not wear sunscreen. This is simply because that new bundle’s skin is so much more sensitive than an adults. If you’ll be bringing a wee one out in the sun, your best line of sun defense is thin long-sleeved shirts, plants, a wide brimmed hat, and making sure they’re staying hydrated.
SUNSCREEN IS ONLY ONE TOOL IN YOUR SUN DEFENSE TOOL BOX! Combine the use of SPF, wearing protective clothing when possible, staying in the shade, and avoiding outdoor activity when the sun is most intense to really give yourself a leg up.
“Teaspoon and Shot Glass Rule”: No, we’re not talking cocktails by the pool (although we can save that for another conversation ;) ). This is just an easy way to remember how much sunscreen you actually need to apply. The teaspoon can cover the face and neck, while the shot can be used for the rest of your body.
We sure hope this helps clear up any questions you may have had regarding sunscreen, time in the sun, or any other summer skin protection! Got one we didn’t hit? Share with us in the comments!
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Happy summertime to all our lovely roses! 💋