Why you can not use sunscreen with an SPF greater than 50



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  Sun protection is more effective than SPF
You should not rely solely on sunscreen with high protection index

Seth Wenig / AP

  • Sun creams with an SPF greater than 50 may seem like your best choice, but they could have the opposite effect.
  • People who use them may think that they can stay in the sun longer, ignore new protective measures According to the Foundation of Skin Cancer
  • To keep your skin safer, do not count only for high protection factor sunscreen
  • For optimal protection, use sunscreen, wear clothing, hats and sunglasses. shadow, too.

In theory, a sunscreen with a super-high SPF should give you the best protection against harmful UV rays.

But in practice, it may not work that way. In fact, some experts say that using sunscreens with very high sun protection factor could result in increased exposure to UV rays, which would increase the risk of burns and skin cancer.

Here's what you need to know to protect your skin.

High Protection Products Do not Protect You Any Longer

There are two types of UV rays that hit your skin when you're in the sun: UVA and UVB. UVB is mainly responsible for sunburn, while UVA causes tanning and aging of the skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). Exposure to both types of UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. [SPF] (19659009) SPF (abbreviation for "sun protection factor") measures the effectiveness of a sunscreen to protect you from UVB rays. It seems like an SPF 100 would give you double the SPF 50 protection, or almost triple the protection of the SPF 30. But the difference between them is actually much smaller. SPF 30 filters 97% of UVB, filters SPF 50 on 98% and filters SPF 100 on 99%, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The CFS notes that while these percentages seem small, they can make a difference for people who are sensitive to light or who have a history of skin cancer. But it's good to remember that a SPF 100 sunscreen is not twice as durable as a 50 SPF sunscreen.

High Protection Grade products can give you a false sense of security

A sunscreen with a super-high SPF could turn against
Flickr / Chelsea Marie Hicks

problem with the use of super SPF -high? It could turn against and lead [plus] [19459023exhibitiontoUV

"In real life, products with a very high SPF often create a false sense of security," wrote dermatologist Stephen Q. Wang on website of the Skin Cancer Foundation in May. "The people who use them tend to stay longer in the sun, to avoid making a new request and to think that they do not need to look in the shade, to wear a hat or to cover oneself with clothes. which, of course, goes against the goal. "

The truth is that when you are outdoors, all sunscreens, no matter their SPF, must be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It is also crucial to apply the right amount (most adults need a shot glass to fully cover their body) and apply it before on leaving.

But the bottom line, Wang wrote, is that "it is important not to rely solely on sunscreens with a high sun protection factor".

The sunscreen is only a tool for protecting oneself from the sun. It is best to use it in conjunction with other effective sunscreen strategies such as shade, clothing, hats and sunglasses, and to spend time in the sun. shadow.

Your best bet is a "broad spectrum" sunscreen with at least 30 SPF

The sunscreen is important, but it's not the only way to protect yourself from the sun.

REUTERS / Eduardo Munoz

When you buy sunscreen, choose one that has an SPF of at least 30. That's the current recommendation of the FSC and the l & # 39; s. ADF.

But remember that SPF measures protection against UVB rays. It does not tell you how much protection you get (or do not get) UVA radiation, which also hurts your skin in the long run.

To protect yourself from both, choose a sunscreen that is clearly labeled "Broad Spectrum". In the United States, products bearing this mention on the label must pass a test to prove that they provide protection against UVA, according to the Food and Drug Administration. If a product is not broad spectrum, it is necessary to have a warning that it only protects against sunburn, not skin cancer or aging of the skin, explains the ACS website.

Foremost, remember not to let the sunscreen do all the lifting work.

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This article has been updated to reflect updated recommendations on high-end products skin protection index. [ad_2]
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