Straight Talk on SPF

Straight Talk on SPF

With summer in full swing, you hear “wear your SPF!” more times than a 10-year-old drinks a Del’s Lemonade. But what is SPF? Why do we need it? We talked to skin experts Sherri Bruce and Sienna Iannelli to get the 411.

Definition

SPF’s official definition is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. The number (2, 8, 15, 30, etc.) refers to the number of minutes you can be in the sun with that particular SPF on your skin without burning. Sunscreens and sunblocks protect against UVB rays (the ultraviolet rays that can burn you and cause cancer) and UVA rays, if the product contains avobenzone, a chemical that absorbs rays. “Other important ingredients to look for in a broad spectrum SPF product are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and/or mexoryl sx. Some products call themselves broad spectrum but read labels to be sure you are truly protected,” advises Bruce.

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Digits

A common misconception about SPF, according to Iannelli is the SPF number. “Many of my clients ask me what

number SPF they should wear. Lately we are seeing SPF 50, SPF 100, etc. “Going any higher than 30, 45 at most, is not going to be effective. For most people, SPF 30 is perfect,” she says. Bruce concurs with using at least 25 for maximum protection.

Disease

Whether we like it or not, skin cancer kills. The key word is cancer, which kills millions each year in the US. Wearing SPF regularly can help to protect the skin from the deadly rays that can lead to this startling diagnosis. “Reapplying is the best way to effectively shield your skin,” Iannelli tells us. “Sweating and swimming affect the power of protection so reapply!” Bruce says a good rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours for maximum benefit.

Damage

Cancer is not the only worry when it comes to the sun. Billions of dollars are spent every year on anti-aging products, including surgery then we go out in the sun and reverse all that hard work! The sun’s UVA rays are detrimental to our skin and cause that leathery, sun damaged look. The skin is dehydrated and weathered, bringing out fine lines and deep craters. “The sun is responsible for 80% of aging effects on our skin,”  Iannelli tells us.  “Using skincare with antioxidants and eating antioxidant rich foods (like berries) will protect your skin from the inside out from sun damage.”

Defense

In order to protect your skin, use SPF. Our skin is our largest organ so take care and have fun this summer!

Deets

Here are some sweet finds for you to use!
Try lightweight lotions like La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique Anthelios 15 Sunscreen with Meroxyl SX ($30, CVS) and Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen SPF 30 ($26, Sephora at Providence Place Mall).
Prefer a spray?  We love the feel of Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 ($9, Target) and Jason Natural Personal Care Products Sunbrellas® Complete Block Spray SPF 26 ($8, Whole Foods Market).
Or multi-task by using SPF-infused makeup such as MAC Select SPF 15 Foundation ($26, Nordstrom at Providence Place) or L’Oreal True Match Roller SPF 25 ($15, drugstores).

Sherri Bruce a licensed aesthetician at the Wellness Boutique (261 North Main St, North Smithfield, 769-0900). Sienna Iannelli is a licensed aesthetician at Sienna Skin Studio inside the Elizabeth Anthony Salon (518 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, 263-1709).