A new study published shows that approximately 57% of Americans are
confused when reading sunscreen labels, and don’t truly understand the
definition of SPF.
SPF or
Sun Protection Factor is a way to let the consumer know how much protection
their sunscreen will provide. A SPF of 15 allows a person to be in the sun approximately
15 times longer than that person could with no protection before the person
begins to redden or burn. The higher the number of SPF the more UVB or cancer causing rays are
being blocked. A SPF 15 will block about
93% of UVB rays, while a SPF 30 will block approximately 97%.
Also,
only 7% of the population knew that certain ingredients can also help to prevent
premature aging in the skin (aka wrinkles). The label on the sunscreen must say
broad spectrum meaning it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays. Ingredients
such as zinc and titanium dioxide help to block UVA and UVB rays, but there is
no rating of how long these ingredients will protect for like the SPF rating.
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