Let’s Talk SPF!
In my previous blog, I explored the dangers of screen blue light and whether it can damage our skin similarly to the sun, raising the question of whether we should use SPF daily. Today, I’ll delve deeper into the importance of SPF in skincare, an area that has gained significant attention over the past few decades. This increase is due to extensive research linking sun exposure to aging signs such as wrinkles, sunspots, sagging, and melanoma (skin cancer).
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a measure of a product’s effectiveness in protecting skin from solar exposure. It indicates how much solar exposure is needed to cause sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin. It’s a common misconception that SPF only relates to the time of exposure. Factors like sun intensity (time of day, location, season), skin type, and personal conditions (diet, hormonal changes, sleep, stress) also affect SPF efficacy. To ensure protection, choose a high SPF product, apply it frequently, and complement it with hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
What is UVA/UVB?
The sun emits various types of radiation, including gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio waves. For SPF, focus on UV, visible, and IR radiation:
• Visible Light: Enables vision.
• IR Radiation: Causes heat.
• UV Radiation: High energy, penetrates skin layers, causes molecular excitation, and potential permanent damage, leading to melanoma. UV radiation includes UVC, UVB, and UVA (in decreasing energy order). Protecting against all UV types is crucial, hence the importance of “broad-spectrum” SPF.
Two Types of Protective Skincare
There are two types of SPF skincare: organic (chemical) and inorganic (mineral).
• Organic (Chemical) SPF: Contains ingredients that absorb UV rays, preventing them from reaching inner skin layers. These ingredients decompose upon UV contact, releasing thermal energy and sometimes free radicals, which can damage collagen and cause aging signs.
• Inorganic (Mineral) SPF: Uses minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect or transform UV rays, reducing their harmful impact. These are effective across all UV types but require higher concentrations, making the products thicker and harder to spread.
Choosing the Right Packaging Materials
The packaging of SPF products must maintain the indicated SPF factor. Stability testing is crucial to ensure the SPF remains effective. When using PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials, ensure they match the properties of virgin materials to avoid degradation of SPF ingredients. This is especially important for chemical SPFs, as their active ingredients are sensitive to oxygen and radiation.
Protection is Their Purpose
SPF products’ primary purpose is protection, not providing direct health benefits to the skin. Use SPF when outdoors and supplement protection with clothing, sunglasses, and hats to prolong your skin’s youthful appearance.
For personalized skincare advice and scientifically-backed solutions, book a free 30-minute consultation with me today. Let’s unlock the true potential of your skin together.