Have you visited the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore lately? If so, you will notice a wide range of SPF protection, some as high as SPF 70+ and even SPF 85. So does that mean that the higher the SPF level the better the sun protection? While these mega-high SPF products offer a slight advantage at protecting from a sunburn (UVB rays) they don’t necessarily do a stellar job protecting from UVA rays. So how does one know which SPF is best for them? While there isn’t ONE best of the best for everyone, the following information will help you learn more about how sunscreen ratings work, which should in turn make sunscreen shopping easier for you.

It is important to note that SPF, or sun protection factor, only measures UVB rays (the rays mostly associated with burning, but they also contribute to early signs of aging). The FDA wants to make changes regarding labeling for both UVB and UVA light. The agency has proposed amending its existing rule on UVB products to increase the maximum sunburn protection factor from SPF 30+ to SPF 50+.

Jim Miller of California North explains “a rating of 15 blocks 94-95% of rays, and still allows some tanning. But SPF 30 blocks 97.6 – 97.7% of rays, and the percentage stays roughly the same as you move up to SPF 40, or even 60.”

That said, those who a suffer from extremely sun sensitive skin conditions such as lupus or rosacea, have been diagnosed with skin cancer; who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments; or who are currently taking medications that increase sun sensitivity, may need to use a product that helps block infrared and visible light along with normal UVA and UVB screens such as Ti-Silc GT SPF 60+, Total Block UVA/UVB SPF 65 or Vanicream Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 60. This is not the time to rely upon a simple SPF of 15.

While many sunscreens contain ingredients to protect against UVA, no rating system or testing requirement has existed to measure the ACTUAL level of UVA protection. That being said, the FDA is working on that as well. According to (http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sunscreen082307.html), proposed legislation will require that sunscreen manufacturers use a Four Star System to rate the level of protection from UVA rays in addition to the SPF level for UVB protection.Sunscreen Labels

With the proposed UVA rating system:

  • One star will represent low UVA protection
  • Two stars, medium protection
  • Three stars, high protection
  • Four stars, the highest UVA protection available in an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen product.

If a sunscreen product does not rate at least one star, FDA is proposing that its labeling bear a “no UVA protection” marking on the front label, near the SPF value.

In addition to the new rating system, FDA wants sunscreen labels to advise consumers that using a sunscreen is just one way they can protect themselves against the sun. Limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing as part of a comprehensive sun protection regimen are other recommendations that would be prominently displayed on labels. Using sunscreens liberally and reapplying frequently would also be advised.

Some U.S. Manufacturers are not waiting for the FDA to come out with a system to rate the level of UVA protection. So the existing Japanese PA rating system is used to accurately evaluate UVA protection. PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++. The more +’s, the more protection from UVA rays. Examples include DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ skin clarifying & mattifying sunscreen spf 30/PA+++, Bliss Best of Skintentions daily moisturizer spf 15/PA++ or L’Occitane Immortelle very precious fluid spf 40/PA++.

Consumers should worry more about wearing enough sunscreen, rather than how high their SPF is. No matter the SPF number, skimp and you lose. To get the SPF advertised, you must use a full shot glass (1 oz) on your body. So make sure to apply all SPF products liberally and re-apply them every 90 minutes or so when out in direct sun.

If you need additional help in selecting a sun protection product for you or your family, consider using our DERMAwizard Sunscreen Selector, which will make a custom recommendation.

Enjoy your summer!

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