Skin Saver: What the SPF?
When I walk into the sunscreen aisle I always feel bit overwhelmed. So many numbers, so many acronyms (SPF, UVA, UVB, COTZ, WTF?!), and so not sure what to look for... I figured many of you might feel the same way so I did a little research and put together this simple, no-brainer guide about SPF.
Aside from using retinoid creams and topical antioxidants, sunscreen is the most powerful ammo us girls have against wrinkles and rough skin. While it's smart to wear sunscreen when you know you'll be outdoors (beach, shopping, brunching, what have you), it's still important to wear it everyday, even if you're going to be indoors–no exceptions. Rain or shine, summer or winter, SPF is a must.
Okay so enough about when to wear it. Let's talk shop about picking the right SPF and how to wear it.
Most of us would think that the higher the SPF number, the better. Right? Wrong. Without going into too much detail, the SPF number is simply a standard for how long you can tolerate the sun without burning. So if you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, an SPF of 15 would allow you to spend 150 minutes in the sun before burning. It's all very confusing. But the bottom line here is that anything over SPF 30 isn't going to protect your any better. The numbers are based on time spent in the sun, which is why reapplication is essential. Also, for those of you who think that layering on SPF 15 over your SPF 10 will give the protection of SPF 25–think again. Layering does not increase the SPF. I suppose the only benefit is that it ensures that every area is covered. Ideally, you should wear SPF 30 or greater according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Bottom line: Wear SPF 30 with broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB protection. Apply it to your face, neck and hands every single day and smother it onto your body when you are going to be outdoors in the sun.
For more information on SPF, read my blog about which ingredients to look for in a good SPF.
What's your favorite facial SPF?
XO Lauren
P.S. Fun fact: Sunscreen typically maintains its strength for about 3 years. After that time period, it is less effective. So if your SPF doesn't have an expiration date, be sure to write it onto the bottle when you get it so you can keep track.
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Photo Credit: Pinterest
Sources: informationisbeautiful.net, temptalia.com, How Stuff Works, aad.org
43 comments
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With spring on it's way & summer right behind it this is good to know! I've always been an SPF 15 kinda gal. Looks like I need to up it! -
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Definitely got to buy the Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock. Hey I know it's for babies but thats the thing, if it's invented for babies, its got to be good! And you need a good sunscreen especially since it's summer!!
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No matter how much makeup you wear sunscreen is the only thing that can stop those wrinkles!! Thanks Lauren xx
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I have sensitive skin on my face, so I have to be careful with what I use. If I use something inexpensive or from the drugstore, it may cause a breakout. I try to stick with natural, organic, and mineral sunscreens. I have two favorites that I would highly recommend to anyone. The first is by Eminence. It's a tinted moisturizer with SPF 25. It comes in 3 shades. I have vanilla latte and caramel lattle. Both smell amazing and they contain healing properties for the skin. My other favorite is the Power Me Dry sunscreen by Jane Iredale. It contains SPF 30. Love these products! They are a bit pricey, but totally worth it. They make my skin feel great. = )
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I don't go in the sun often (because I work indoors but my everyday moisturiser contains sunscreen which helps prevent damage when I am driving to work and on lunch break etc
xo Emilie
PS please check out my latest blog post @ http://www.hungrydelights.com/ -
Living on the East coast I can truly say reapplying every hour is a must when in for full day sun expoosure! Don't worry girls you will still get your color!
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For my skin i always use Exuvience daycream that has spf 15 in it already and i also use theirs foundation that also has spf 15. That way you get coverd in all ways :)
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I usually wear sunscreen by Neutrogena because it's the same one I'll put on my face. I like it because it's not too oily/greasy and I know that it shouldn't damage my face at all because Neutrogena is known for their face products. It also claims to have the added extras in it too.
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Thanks for sharing this! I'm so glad you told us that sunscreen is good for up to 3 years. I've been throwing mine out every year, so I've basically been wasting my hard earned $.
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actually, anything over FPS 50 is worthless and it alsos increases the chances of triggering an allergy. but FPS 30 is actually the minimum you should use if you're going to expose your body to the sun. on a daily basis you should use FPS 15 at least on your face.
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I always apply an SPF 30 in the morning, and when I go to the beach I'll reapply often.
Liesl xxx
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when SPF is above 30 its not really 40 or 50, 30 is the highest.
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SPF50 is my fav! So perfect and a good investment in my look :) Greetings from Germany!! :) XOXO
http://www.look-scout.blogspot.com
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Ole Henricksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+ sunscreen. I love the scent and it never ever feels heavy and is perfect to wear alone or under makeup!
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I wear SPF50 every day. Hope it works in the long run! Fingers crossed.
Love from South Africa
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I just started using SPF for my face and I have to warn you guys if you use products with SPF and it has alpha hydroxy acid or what not be aware that it might sting or burn your face especially if you have sensitive skin. I recently used a product with that ingredient and it burned!
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Thanks, Lauren! I love Neutrogena for my face and body. But sometimes it, and other suncreens, makes my nail polish sticky? I hate having to redo my nails after putting on suncreen! Any tips on how to avoid this or better sunscreens to use? Thanks!
xo - Taylor
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Thanks for the information! Good tid bit about writing the date on the bottle. :)
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My favorite facial moisturizer with SPF is Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 (okay it's not SPF 30 but it's still a great moisturizer for the day time!!)
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