Modern sunscreens contain multiple chemicals that act individually to absorb sun energy to protect skin. Each active ingredient has a determined “SPF value” based on its concentration. The sum of each of the active SPF values is the number then given for SPF of the finished product.
The magic SPF or “sun protection factor” is based on multiples of one’s Minimal Erythema Dose, the number of minutes that your skin can be exposed to direct sun before identifiable redness occurs. Ideally the SPF value relates to ability of the sunscreen to filter out sunburn and cancer-causing UVB rays.
Modern sunscreens contain multiple chemicals that act individually to absorb sun energy to protect skin. Each active ingredient has a determined “SPF value” based on its concentration. The sum of each of the active SPF values is the number then given for SPF of the finished product.
However, figuring out which SPF is optimal can seem daunting. The problem is that many of the FDA approved protective ingredients capture the same wavelength rays as others. Since you cannot catch the same particle twice, the total SPF values often are misleading. In fact, a Sun Protection Factor of 100 is only marginally better than SPF 30 (blocking just 2% more UVB rays). With so many options out here, how can you choose the rating that’s healthiest for your skin?
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, James Beckman, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Adjunct, Associate Clinical Professor-Dermatology Department at UAMS (Arkansas Medical School), helps us decipher why SPF 43 is your sunscreen sweet spot…
The magic number When formulating Theraderm ingredients, Dr. Beckman details that the odd number SPF 43 is the most effective sun protection for these reasons:
Each active ingredient traps different wavelengths than other actives Delivers the max non-oily moisturizing effect to the skin Provides the widest spectrum protection of both UVA (aging) and UVB (cancer-causing) wavelengths
Won’t burn or sting eyes if sweat or swimming causes migration
Theraderm Platinum Protection Facial Sunscreen SPF 43 holds this unique SPF number and includes zinc oxide to protect against UVA radiation. The tiny zinc particles act like millions of small mirrors on the surface of skin to reflect the sun’s aging rays away. This sunscreen also provides UVB protection by using several different organic molecule types that actually absorb UVB energy and are broken down to take the damage so that skin doesn’t have to.
Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant can stop a sunburn before damage occurs. Studies show that if you apply the fruit acid (a naturally occurring lactic acid) to skin within the first 6 hours after being exposed to any UV radiation, you can actually PREVENT symptoms like pain, redness and blistering – thereby avoiding permanent skin damage. Clinical studies and before/after images are available upon request.
Available at www.theraderm.net
