Sunscreens and SPFs (Sun Protection Factors)

Finding your SPF is the only reliable way to determine how much sun exposure your skin can take before burning.

For example, if you can stay in the sun unprotected without burning for 20 minutes, then an SPF of 3 will give an increased exposure of 3 times i.e. 60 minutes.

However, due to an accumulative factor with sun on the skin, re-applying your SPF3 after 60 minutes will not necessarily give another 60 minutes.

Selecting the appropriate SPF product will depend on the length of time it takes for your skin to burn, and how long you intend to stay in the sun.

On holiday, this will be affected by how much skin change occurs due to contact with objects like towels or sand, and how much you perspire or whether you go swimming.

There are many specially-formulated milks, creams and sprays with a protection factor up to SPF60 to suit all kinds of skin.

In selecting a sunscreen, pick one that filters out both UVA and UVB light. UVB is a major cause of cancer with UVA causing ageing of the skin. These days, many make-up products include a sunscreen in their formulation.

Types of skin

Type A: If your skin is naturally pale and freckled, and your hair is perhaps red or pale blonde, with blue or green eyes, then you probably burn easily in the sun with your skin turning bright red. You should wear an SPF of 35+.

Type B: Your skin is pale and your hair ranges from blonde to light brown. Your skin burns easily but will go brown with gradual sun exposure. This skin type should wear an SPF of 25+.

Type C: This type of skin is usually quite pale, with hair that ranges from dark blonde to brown, and eyes that are blue, green or brown. Your skin sometimes burns, but will brown quite easily. This is the most common type of skin in the indigenous population of the UK. This skin should wear SPF 15+.

Type D: This skin is reasonably tolerable to the sun and rarely burns. It is often described as olive skin, and contains a high degree of melanin. This is mostly seen in those of a Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Central-European origin. This skin should wear SPF 8-15.

Type E: This type of skin has much natural protection, and is naturally light brown, with hair that is dark brown or black and eyes that are brown. This is seen in those of an Asian or Far Eastern origin. These should wear an SPF of 6-12.

Type F: This skin is the most protected of all, and ranges from dark brown to black with black hair and brown eyes. This skin requires little protection being from an African or Afro-Caribbean origin. This SPF should be 4-8.

After Sun Skin Care

After sun products usually incorporate an instant cooling action, which soothes the skin after sun exposure. They are very helpful in nourishing the skin and boosting its recovery.

Sunscreens for children

Special sunscreens are now available for children and babies, which offer a high degree of protection. They are non-greasy and water-resistant.

Sunscreen Preparations

© allcures.com March 2003