Sunscreen 101

The summer heat is on in Los Angeles, and all of us are feeling it on our skin. Gone are the days when it was fashionable to drench oneself in baby oil and bake in the sun. The huge market for hyperpigmentation products just shows how much damage was done... unfortunately it may be too late to turn back the hands of time, but it is possible to prevent future damage with the right sunscreen.

I'm not surprised that many people, including estheticians have questions about sun products. How do I choose the right one? What is an SPF? Is sunscreen safe for my children?

What is an SPF?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) displayed on the sunscreen label ranges from 2 to as high as 50 and refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer that you can without sunscreen before burning. Consumers need to be aware that SPF protection does not increase proportionally with an increased SPF number. While an SPF of 2 will absorb 50% of ultraviolet radiation, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93% and an SPF of 34 absorbs 97%
- American Melanoma Foundation

I, personally, dislike oily fragrant products that clog the pores, and cause blemishes and irritation. Many of these over the counter lotions contain very high amounts of chemicals, propylene glycol and parabens that increase the SPF. The best way to go is definitely with a water-based physical block (Titanium Dioxide). The best sunscreen is SAIAN Sunscreen Mist SPF 29, which provides full UVA and UVB protection without irritation! Always read the ingredients on the back of the container, and don't go overboard with a high SPF - it is better to choose a mid-range SPF and re-apply often!

Here is some interesting and beneficial information from the American Melanoma Foundation:

http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm