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Lec2 Sunscreens

The document discusses factors related to sunscreen protection ratings and application. It explains what SPF measures, differences between high SPF values, recommendations for broad spectrum protection, and water resistance ratings. It also covers application timing, frequency, and amount for proper sunscreen use.

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tyleree3
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15 views10 pages

Lec2 Sunscreens

The document discusses factors related to sunscreen protection ratings and application. It explains what SPF measures, differences between high SPF values, recommendations for broad spectrum protection, and water resistance ratings. It also covers application timing, frequency, and amount for proper sunscreen use.

Uploaded by

tyleree3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sunscreens

Lec. 2
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
• When purchasing sunscreen, the Sun Protection Factor or SPF
measures how effectively the sunscreen formula limits skin exposure
to UV-B rays that burn the skin.

• The higher the SPF, the more protection the sunscreen will provide
against UV-B rays.

• SPF does not measure UV-A.

• If you are looking for UV-A protection, the experts recommend that
you purchase a product that has broad-spectrum protection.
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Should you use very high SPF sunscreen?
• SPF indicates how much radiation is blocked from
reaching your skin (how much UVB get blocked).

• SPF 30 means that only 1/30th or ~3.34% of UVB


radiation reach the skin (i.e block 96.67% of UVB).

• SPF 50 means that only 1/50th or 2% of UVB


radiation reach the skin (i.e block 98% of UVB).

• SPFs that are higher than 30 means that the


additional protection is minimal
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) =


MED of Photoprotected Skin
MED of Unprotected Skin

• MED is minimum dose of radiation which produces erythema.


• The SPF number on a sunscreen refers to only UVB blocking.
• SPFs are determined indoors using xenon lamps which
approximate the spectral quality of UV radiation
Broad spectrum sunscreens
• The term broad-spectrum applies to
sunscreens which block both UVA and
UVB rays.
• UVB rays are the rays responsible for
tanning or burning the skin.
• Both UVA and UVB rays are responsible
for skin damage, premature aging, and
cancer.
• Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are
broad-spectrum, with zinc oxide being
the superior of the two.
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Water-resistance sunscreens
• The water-resistance indicates that a sunscreen
product’s labeled SPF protection is retained for a
certain period of time after immersion in water.
• The FDA has created three levels of water-resistance
claims:
• 1. Not water-resistant, hence an SPF claim only
• 2. Water-resistant to 40 minutes
• 3. Water-resistant to 80 minutes
water-resistance sunscreens
• To make a sunscreen water-resistant, ingredients have to be added that
will allow the sunscreen formulation to adhere to skin when submerged
in “swirling water”.
• This can be done with waxes, oils, or polymers such as dimethicone.
• The formulator’s objective is to mix ingredients into the sunscreen that
will:
1- Help the sunscreen active ingredients adhere to skin when
immersed in water.
2- Not negatively affect the balance of the sunscreen
formulation, causing it to separate.
3- Not inhibit sunscreen ingredients from achieving desired SPF levels.
4- Not fill and plug skin pores.
• Factors which influence effectiveness of SPFs
– Difference in skin types.
– Thickness of the applied sunscreen.
– Time of day.
– Altitude: each 1,000 ft increase adds 4% to the intensity of
erythema producing UV radiation
– Environment: snow/white surfaces reflect 70-90%, and
when directly overhead water reflects nearly 100% of UVR.
– Vehicle: determines skin penetration of sunscreen.
Application of sunscreens
✓ When
• If applying a physical sunscreen such as zinc oxide or
titanium dioxide, you can apply it immediately before sun
exposure. Physical sunscreens begin protecting the skin
immediately after application.

• Chemical sunscreens are made to be applied 15 minutes


before sun exposure since they need to "kick in"" and
require 15 minutes before they provide maximum
protection.

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Application of sunscreens
✓How often
• Physical sunscreens need to be reapplied only if you get wet,
sweat a lot, or towel dry. Otherwise, they are good all day.

• Chemical sunscreens begin degrading when exposed to sunlight


and last only 2 hours in the sun, you will need to reapply every
2 hours, or after you get wet, sweat a lot, or towel dry.

✓ How much (apply plenty)


• For best protection, experts recommend using a minimum SPF
sunscreen of 15, applying the proper amount (2mg/cm2 of
skin), and reapplying every 2 hours.

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