February Focus: SPF - How it works and why you need it!
SPF is THE MOST UNDERRATED anti-aging product in the market.
I said what I said. - and I mean it.
When you consider that the MOST common aesthetic concerns when we discuss aging relate to fine lines/ wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation and volume loss, it may surprise you to discover that regularly using and reapplying your sunscreen can prevent most of this damage occurring in the first place. It may also surprise you that, despite consistent, long-term messages regarding the use of sunscreen being shared publicly- such as the “Slip, Slop, Slap” and “There’s nothing healthy about a tan” campaigns - Australia still has one of the highest incidences of Melanoma globally. I’m a passionate advocate for sun protection for incredibly personal reasons; my Dad’s cancer journey began with Melanoma, so now I am more diligent myself in terms of my exposure and encourage my clients to do the same. I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding SPF Use below.
What does SPF even mean, and why is it important?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) as a rating indicates the level of protection you have from Ultra-Violet Radiation (like the Sun’s rays). Sunscreens sold in Australia must be labelled with an SPF of at least 4 to the highest rating of 50+, with an SPF of 30 or higher being the most recommended. How to gauge your level or protection as a duration is as follows:
(Time it takes to go red in the sun) x (SPF Rating) = (how many minutes of exposure you will be protected for).
Example: Say it takes you 10 minutes of sun exposure for your skin to start turning red, and you have an SPF 30+ applied; this means you have up to 300 minutes of protection from the exposure with adequately applied SPF.
What is “Broad-Spectrum”, and why do I need it?
“Broad Spectrum” relates to what kind of ultra-violet radiation you’re protected from. Our Sun emits three kinds of radiation:
Infrared (the heat we can feel),
Visible Light (sunlight), and;
Ultra-Violet Radiation (cannot be seen or felt).
Ultra-Violet Light can then be broken down into three more categories:
UVA (“Aging Rays”): transmits freely through the earth’s atmosphere. These can even penetrate glass, so if you thought you were safe inside… you’re not.
UVB (“Burning Rays”): about 15% of UVB transmits through to the earth’s atmosphere. The rest is absorbed by ozone.
UVC: is absorbed by ozone and does not reach the earth’s surface.
When a sunscreen is designated as “Broad-Spectrum”, it implies protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
How does this relate to me looking younger (and preventing melanoma)?
Remember those “Aging Rays” - this is where you’re going to decide SPF is your new BFF.
“UV exposure may account for up to 80% of visible signs of aging in the skin including dry appearance, scalping, wrinkling and impaired pigmentation, and photoaging correlates with cancer risk.” (Amaro-Ortiz et al.).
So, without you knowing, every single day, your skin is being damaged by UV. It causes damage to your cellular DNA, it demolishes your natural collagen and elastin in the skin and is produces free radicals, which then further the damage to your skin through oxidative stress. No matter how you look at it, it’s happening - so what can you do to protect yourself and look 80 times better than everyone else in your future Residential Aged Care Facility?
That’s right; wear some sunscreen!
How much sunscreen do I ACTUALLY need to apply, and how often?
An average sized adult requires about 35mL or 7 teaspoons for a full-body application; one teaspoon for each limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back of the body, and one teaspoon for the head.
Application on clean, dry skin should occur a minimum of 20 minutes prior to exposure, and reapplication should take place every two hours - especially when outdoors.
Do I HAVE to use it, because it feels icky?!
The short answer? YES!
If textural preference is a big consideration for you, please let us know - we have OODLES of different sunscreens for you to try - you’re bound to find your perfect match!
Generally, texture comes down to whether or not you are using a Chemical SPF or a Physical SPF. My personal preference is for a Physical SPF on any area of your body that I am treating to minimise risk of overexposure, but if you absolutely HATE it, we will find you something safe and enjoyable to use - because when you LOVE IT, you WANT to put the product on!
Stay protected out there!
Katie J xx
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