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Aphrodite blogged below about SPF and in the comments is a discussion about the merits and whys and wherefores of various factors.
Well, interestingly, as I was reading the current fab issue of U Mag this morning (amazing, get it ladies, it’s practically 100% devoted to gorgeous goodies this month) there was something very interesting in there about SPFs. A lady called Sally Penford, from the International Dermal Institute said that an SPF 15 blocks out 93.33% of UVB rays. But in order to get an SPF 30, double the amount of chemicals is needed to provide only 3% more protection!
Because chemical sunscreens can irritate skin (as Aphrodite indicated below), this is often why a factor of 15 is used – as a sort of lowest common denominator. Interesting stuff, eh?
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So would it make any real difference to skin ageing then to stick with a 15??
seems not, no, and you’d run less risk of skin irritation. That said though I use elave’s dermo cosmetic moisturiser with spf 30 and haven’t noticed any irritation at all. But there are different sorts of sunscreens too – chemical and er, non chemical (I think) so it’s all a bit confusing.
Yes the elave 30 is great too!
Now I’m SO confused about SPFs! Even more so then before!
I know….
are we doing lunch, sister dear??
Uh-oh..if you two are confused?!!
Gio – basically just rest assured is that 15 is good enough!
yes i will be over to pick you up at 12.30 where we will hold a summit to discuss this matter!
There is something in the Beauty Bible about SPF’s and as far as I can remember they recommended Declor and Liz Earle sun creams as being the best ones cos they use natural screens. It’s all very confusing alright.
Ok!
beautfan – as far as I know so do lavera products. and the irritation factor is one of the reasons so many creams omit them too.
What IS a natural screen? I wish an expert would comment and let us know
non-chemical!
Titanium dioxide is definitely one and zinc oxide as far as I remember from my therapist days.
Aveda do a lovely one but for the life of me I can’t remember the name of it! Maybe Sun Source?!?!?!?
my lancome has spf 30 and no irritation for my skin,which can be contrary at the best of times!
I have a feeling grapes might hold the secret to non-chemical sunscreen. Or maybe it’s just me drinking them that makes me think that.
The only sunscreen I use is in my foundation – SPF 15. Am VERY bold indeed and getting more leather like by the minute!!!!
glitter – apparently that’s the best way to do it cos the spf clings to pigments and that way it lasts longer. If you just use moisturiser it only lasts 2 hours!
ooooooooooo so I’m not so bad afterall – well proud of myself now. Pity I’m still getting lines around my eyes!!!!
damn my foundation only has spf 10 and its new!!
Hi Again,
Chemical sunscreens absorb whatever it is that makes you age and burn. Physical like titanium and zinc oxide are mined minerals that they powder & put into physical sunscreen, They sit on your skin and reflect light.
Which would you rate as most effective Nico?
Another reason I read not to bother going past SPF 30 is that as well as the increased protection being very hard to measure – the skin people would prefer that we re-apply rather than thinking that we have another hour left – if you get what I mean.
The ozzies are mad into their zinc oxide physical sunscreen, ZO1, is one of the most popular brands but its expensive. Dont think ya can get it here. Physical is meant to be better cause it just sits on the skin therefore less likely to cause irritation, however chemical are easier to use as they dont interfere with makeup. If ya look at the labelling on all the Loreal chemical ones, from lancome right down, its the same chemical complex that they are using just with slightly different names and patents. Probably the same with Estee Lauder brands but not sure on that one!
I think physical are the most effect as I have sensitive skin. The common chemical sunscreen ingredients cause a lot of problems for sensitive skin!
What if your moisturiser doesnt mention a SPF but has UVA/UVB filter system ?
aaagh!! I’m going to ask a dermatologist to answer these questions for us!