The Ed.
Well-Known Member
We all know we need to protect our skin daily, so hopefully most of us have got into the habit of buying multifunctional products that double up the benefits moisturiser +SPF or foundation + SPF. But summer is on its way and whether its glamping in Cornwall or jet setting to Jamaica, getting prepared for the sunshine is essential. If a stock up on all-over sunscreen is in order, I can share a few sun product facts that will help you pack the best possible shield for your skin.
Follow these five simple rules and you will be set for gold star skin protection.
Five Golden Rules
1. Select a high level SPF to minimise burning and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
The most current research suggest SPF30+ as ideal, although national guidelines and cancer charity websites still currently state a minimum of SPF15 for protection. SPF indicates the level of protection from UVB radiation.
EU cosmetic labelling laws require that sunscreens not only state the sun protection factor provided but the level of protection this affords.
The EU has a minimum SPF 6 allowable
SPF6-10 = Low Protection
SPF 15,20,25 = Medium Protection
SPF30-50 = High Protection
SPF50+ (maximum value) = Very High Protection
No more marketing hype with SPF75 or SPF100! The additional level of protection afforded above SPF50 is so fractional that it cannot be accurately equated or verified. So now you can have confidence that when selecting your chosen level of protection, you are getting what it says on the tube.
2. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect from skin damage that will show over time as photo ageing and skin cancer.
The UK uses a star rating system to determine the level of UVA protection a sunscreen gives. Sunscreens can be awarded 0-5 stars depending on the UVA protection afforded. But it can be confusing as more stars do not always mean more protection as they are related to the SPF value. This system is not recognised or used internationally, so may not feature on all products. However new EU labelling rules mean you should look out for this designated logo (pictured) that confirms UVA protection is at least 1/3 of the SPF value.
This logo confirms that your chosen product complies with the newly agreed international protocol and regulations for measuring UVA protection.
3. Check the Best By date on your sunscreen packaging to confirm your product is still safe to use.
I know people who are using sunscreen from five summers ago! This is a risky strategy if you are really trying to protect your skin. Most sunscreens are safe for 12-18 months after opening, but check your product packaging to be sure of the Best By date and play it safe by buying new sunscreens each summer. All products deteriorate with exposure to air, so once opened the shelf life is dependent on what is in the product and how frequently it is opened and used. Over time you will be vulnerable to microbes growing in the product that could cause skin and eye infection, and the sun screening agents lose effectiveness meaning they will not protect against burning.
4. Watch out for claims banned in the EU and USA; adjust your expectation of your sunscreen.
Some marketing claims have been banned as they are either false or misleading. No matter how high the SPF it is impossible to screen out all ultra violet radiation. An SPF15 will screen out 93% of UVB and an SPF30 about 97%. SPF values above 30 increases fractionally by much less than 1%. There is always a margin of exposure. This is why it is important to reapply sunscreen regularly and generously.
The following terms, statements or implications are no longer allowed:
Total protection
100% protection
All day prevention (often used to imply one application will be enough for all day)
Sunblock or any use of the word block
Waterproof (different to water resistant which is allowed providing there is a time allocation e.g. water resistant for 40 minutes)
If you are considering a sunscreen that is making any of these claims beware that these products are not old stock nearing expiry.
5. Apply your sunscreen regularly and apply enough.
It is recommended that to prevent burning and skin damage, sunscreens should be re-applied every 2 hours to ensure full protection. Most people never apply enough sunscreen either. It is suggested that to get the full SPF you need to apply 1 teaspoon (5mls) of sunscreen to face and neck, or 2 tablespoons (30mls) to a full body.
If you stick to these rules you will ensure maximum protection for your skin and help maintain a smooth, luminous and even complexion for years to come.
Candice Gardner
Education Curriculum Manager
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Follow these five simple rules and you will be set for gold star skin protection.
Five Golden Rules
1. Select a high level SPF to minimise burning and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
The most current research suggest SPF30+ as ideal, although national guidelines and cancer charity websites still currently state a minimum of SPF15 for protection. SPF indicates the level of protection from UVB radiation.
EU cosmetic labelling laws require that sunscreens not only state the sun protection factor provided but the level of protection this affords.
The EU has a minimum SPF 6 allowable
SPF6-10 = Low Protection
SPF 15,20,25 = Medium Protection
SPF30-50 = High Protection
SPF50+ (maximum value) = Very High Protection
No more marketing hype with SPF75 or SPF100! The additional level of protection afforded above SPF50 is so fractional that it cannot be accurately equated or verified. So now you can have confidence that when selecting your chosen level of protection, you are getting what it says on the tube.
2. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect from skin damage that will show over time as photo ageing and skin cancer.
The UK uses a star rating system to determine the level of UVA protection a sunscreen gives. Sunscreens can be awarded 0-5 stars depending on the UVA protection afforded. But it can be confusing as more stars do not always mean more protection as they are related to the SPF value. This system is not recognised or used internationally, so may not feature on all products. However new EU labelling rules mean you should look out for this designated logo (pictured) that confirms UVA protection is at least 1/3 of the SPF value.
This logo confirms that your chosen product complies with the newly agreed international protocol and regulations for measuring UVA protection.
3. Check the Best By date on your sunscreen packaging to confirm your product is still safe to use.
I know people who are using sunscreen from five summers ago! This is a risky strategy if you are really trying to protect your skin. Most sunscreens are safe for 12-18 months after opening, but check your product packaging to be sure of the Best By date and play it safe by buying new sunscreens each summer. All products deteriorate with exposure to air, so once opened the shelf life is dependent on what is in the product and how frequently it is opened and used. Over time you will be vulnerable to microbes growing in the product that could cause skin and eye infection, and the sun screening agents lose effectiveness meaning they will not protect against burning.
4. Watch out for claims banned in the EU and USA; adjust your expectation of your sunscreen.
Some marketing claims have been banned as they are either false or misleading. No matter how high the SPF it is impossible to screen out all ultra violet radiation. An SPF15 will screen out 93% of UVB and an SPF30 about 97%. SPF values above 30 increases fractionally by much less than 1%. There is always a margin of exposure. This is why it is important to reapply sunscreen regularly and generously.
The following terms, statements or implications are no longer allowed:
Total protection
100% protection
All day prevention (often used to imply one application will be enough for all day)
Sunblock or any use of the word block
Waterproof (different to water resistant which is allowed providing there is a time allocation e.g. water resistant for 40 minutes)
If you are considering a sunscreen that is making any of these claims beware that these products are not old stock nearing expiry.
5. Apply your sunscreen regularly and apply enough.
It is recommended that to prevent burning and skin damage, sunscreens should be re-applied every 2 hours to ensure full protection. Most people never apply enough sunscreen either. It is suggested that to get the full SPF you need to apply 1 teaspoon (5mls) of sunscreen to face and neck, or 2 tablespoons (30mls) to a full body.
If you stick to these rules you will ensure maximum protection for your skin and help maintain a smooth, luminous and even complexion for years to come.
Candice Gardner
Education Curriculum Manager
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
