You may have read or heard of some claims that sunscreen with a high SPF could be unhealthy. Does information like this, particularly when it conflicts with so much other available information, make you wonder what is in your sunscreen, your sunblock, and what SPF really means?
What are Sunscreen, Sunblock, and SPF?
Sunscreen was created to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, called “Ultra Violet rays” (UVA or UVB). Sunscreens are topical skin protectors; they form a protective barrier on your skin. Generally, the higher the SPF, the longer you can be out in the sun without burning. If it takes you 30 minutes to burn, then, theoretically, a sunscreen with SPF 30 should protect you thirty times longer. This is not always the case, as it depends on how much direct sunlight you get, whether you sweat or are in water, and the contents (no sunscreen can protect you entirely from all of the sun’s rays).
What’s in the stuff?
There are risks no matter what you put on your skin; there is always the potential that someone could be allergic to something in sunscreen. That’s why there are different types.
There are a wide range of chemicals and ingredients that may be in your sunscreen or sunblock. However, if you’re going to be outside, having something to protect your skin is essential. So, what to do?
We recommend using an SPF of at least 30 containing zinc oxide. It’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist to make sure you get what’s best for your skin. Want more information on protecting and preserving the health of your skin? Call us at Inverness Dermatology and Laser.
What are Sunscreen, Sunblock, and SPF?
Sunscreen was created to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, called “Ultra Violet rays” (UVA or UVB). Sunscreens are topical skin protectors; they form a protective barrier on your skin. Generally, the higher the SPF, the longer you can be out in the sun without burning. If it takes you 30 minutes to burn, then, theoretically, a sunscreen with SPF 30 should protect you thirty times longer. This is not always the case, as it depends on how much direct sunlight you get, whether you sweat or are in water, and the contents (no sunscreen can protect you entirely from all of the sun’s rays).
What’s in the stuff?
There are risks no matter what you put on your skin; there is always the potential that someone could be allergic to something in sunscreen. That’s why there are different types.
- Sunblock: Sunblocks are physical sunscreens. They contain elements such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to serve as physical protection—a block—from the sun. They can also reflect the sun’s rays. Zinc based sunscreen is best for sensitive skin. Micronized forms apply quickly and easily without leaving the thick, white residue of older zinc-based formulations.
- Sunscreen: Some sunscreens are made of synthetic chemicals, such as oxybenzone, which the skin absorbs for a deeper protection. These are the types of sunscreens that are more likely to cause skin reactions because of that absorption. Additionally, oxybenzone has a chemical reaction when hit by the sun that can cause some adverse skin reactions.
There are a wide range of chemicals and ingredients that may be in your sunscreen or sunblock. However, if you’re going to be outside, having something to protect your skin is essential. So, what to do?
We recommend using an SPF of at least 30 containing zinc oxide. It’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist to make sure you get what’s best for your skin. Want more information on protecting and preserving the health of your skin? Call us at Inverness Dermatology and Laser.
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