Facts and Fiction When It Comes to Sun Protection
Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime or tropical vacations. It’s a
critical part of your everyday routine. While everyone knows the
importance of sunscreen, there are a lot of myths out there about what
to look for and what to avoid. Follow these tips, outlined by the
American Cancer Society (ACS), for sunscreens and facial moisturizers
that will protect against sun exposure.
Fact: You Need UVA and UVB Protection in Your Sunscreen
According to the ACS, all sunscreens protect against short-wave ultraviolet B, also known as UVB rays, which are the primary drivers of sunburns and skin-related cancers. However, not all sunscreens protect against long wave ultraviolet A rays (UVA), which are also linked to cancers and premature aging.
Products protecting against both UVA and UVB rays are known as broad spectrum and must pass certain analytical tests. When choosing a sunscreen or face moisturizer with SPF, select products that contain broad-spectrum protection to ensure coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
It’s also important to note that products without UVA and UVB protection must include a label indicating that they only protect against sunburns, not skin cancer or skin aging.
Fiction: SPF Doesn’t Matter
SPF, also known as sun protection factor, indicates the level of protection your sunscreen provides against UVB rays.
You may have heard that SPF doesn’t matter after levels of 15, 50, etc. However, the ACS states a higher SPF level does in fact mean more protection, but sun block with SPF 50 doesn’t provide “20 times more protection” than an SPF 30. In other words, the higher you go, the smaller the protection level becomes. For example, the ACS explains:
· SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of UVB rays.
· SPF 30 filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays.
· SPF 50 filters out approximately 98%, of UVB rays.
· SPF 100 filters out approximately 99% of UVB rays.
As you can see, the difference between an SPF 30 and SPF 100 is approximately 2% of additional UVB protection. Whatever your preferred coverage, it’s best to select a moisturizer with SPF levels of at least 30.
In fact, the Food and Drug Administration requires any sunscreen with SPF below 15 to warn users that it only protects against sunburns, not skin cancer or skin aging.
Fact: Apply Liberally and Often
Sunscreen tends to rub off as we move around, especially when sweating outside. In order for your sunscreen to be most effective, apply liberally before any activity, and reapply at least every two hours or as directed on the packaging.
Fiction: “I Don’t Burn So I Don’t Need Sunscreen”
Whether you tan or burn, any change in your skin’s color indicates sun damage. Even if you don’t burn or peel, UVA and UVB rays can damage living cells and result in skin issues down the road.
While you may not need SPF 100, it’s still a good idea to use some level of sun protection. Incorporating skin protection into your morning routine, such as Thrive Causemetics’ tinted moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 35, can add that baseline level of protection while still affording some color and glow.
About Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics creates vegan, 100% cruelty-free cosmetics without parabens or sulfates. Their high-performing products are developed at the Thrive Lab in Los Angeles to ensure each product meets Thrive Causemetics’ strict standards of health and quality. A beauty brand and philosophy that beauty goes beyond skin deep, for every product purchased one is donated to help a woman thrive. From their brightening face mask to their quality makeup such as waterproof eyebrow products, bronzers, and highlighters, Thrive Causemetics creates products that empower women.
To browse high-performance cosmetics, go to Thrivecausemetics.com
Fact: You Need UVA and UVB Protection in Your Sunscreen
According to the ACS, all sunscreens protect against short-wave ultraviolet B, also known as UVB rays, which are the primary drivers of sunburns and skin-related cancers. However, not all sunscreens protect against long wave ultraviolet A rays (UVA), which are also linked to cancers and premature aging.
Products protecting against both UVA and UVB rays are known as broad spectrum and must pass certain analytical tests. When choosing a sunscreen or face moisturizer with SPF, select products that contain broad-spectrum protection to ensure coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
It’s also important to note that products without UVA and UVB protection must include a label indicating that they only protect against sunburns, not skin cancer or skin aging.
Fiction: SPF Doesn’t Matter
SPF, also known as sun protection factor, indicates the level of protection your sunscreen provides against UVB rays.
You may have heard that SPF doesn’t matter after levels of 15, 50, etc. However, the ACS states a higher SPF level does in fact mean more protection, but sun block with SPF 50 doesn’t provide “20 times more protection” than an SPF 30. In other words, the higher you go, the smaller the protection level becomes. For example, the ACS explains:
· SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of UVB rays.
· SPF 30 filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays.
· SPF 50 filters out approximately 98%, of UVB rays.
· SPF 100 filters out approximately 99% of UVB rays.
As you can see, the difference between an SPF 30 and SPF 100 is approximately 2% of additional UVB protection. Whatever your preferred coverage, it’s best to select a moisturizer with SPF levels of at least 30.
In fact, the Food and Drug Administration requires any sunscreen with SPF below 15 to warn users that it only protects against sunburns, not skin cancer or skin aging.
Fact: Apply Liberally and Often
Sunscreen tends to rub off as we move around, especially when sweating outside. In order for your sunscreen to be most effective, apply liberally before any activity, and reapply at least every two hours or as directed on the packaging.
Fiction: “I Don’t Burn So I Don’t Need Sunscreen”
Whether you tan or burn, any change in your skin’s color indicates sun damage. Even if you don’t burn or peel, UVA and UVB rays can damage living cells and result in skin issues down the road.
While you may not need SPF 100, it’s still a good idea to use some level of sun protection. Incorporating skin protection into your morning routine, such as Thrive Causemetics’ tinted moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 35, can add that baseline level of protection while still affording some color and glow.
About Thrive Causemetics
Thrive Causemetics creates vegan, 100% cruelty-free cosmetics without parabens or sulfates. Their high-performing products are developed at the Thrive Lab in Los Angeles to ensure each product meets Thrive Causemetics’ strict standards of health and quality. A beauty brand and philosophy that beauty goes beyond skin deep, for every product purchased one is donated to help a woman thrive. From their brightening face mask to their quality makeup such as waterproof eyebrow products, bronzers, and highlighters, Thrive Causemetics creates products that empower women.
To browse high-performance cosmetics, go to Thrivecausemetics.com
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