As an expert in skincare, I have seen the damaging effects of the sun on people's skin. That's why I always stress the importance of using sunscreen. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. One crucial factor to consider is whether the sunscreen is water resistant or not.
In this article, I will share my perspective on the recommended SPF level for water resistant sunscreen.
Understanding Water Resistant SPF
Before we dive into the recommended SPF level, let's first understand what water resistant SPF means. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers. Water resistant sunscreen is specifically designed to stay on the skin even when exposed to water or sweat. However, it is important to note that no sunscreen is completely waterproof and they all need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating.The Recommended SPF Level
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the recommended SPF level for water resistant sunscreen is at least SPF 30.This means that the sunscreen should provide 30 times the protection against UVB rays compared to not wearing any sunscreen at all. But why SPF 30 and not a higher number? The AAD explains that while higher SPF numbers do offer more protection, the difference between SPF 30 and higher numbers is minimal. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. This small difference may not be worth the extra cost of a higher SPF sunscreen. Additionally, using a higher SPF number may give a false sense of security and lead to inadequate protection. People may think that they can stay in the sun longer without reapplying, which is not the case.
It is important to remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, regardless of the SPF level.
Factors to Consider
While SPF 30 is the recommended level for water resistant sunscreen, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right sunscreen for you. These include your skin type, the amount of time you will be spending in the sun, and the activities you will be doing. People with fair skin or a history of skin cancer may benefit from using a higher SPF sunscreen. If you will be spending a lot of time in the water or participating in water sports, a water resistant sunscreen with a higher SPF may also be a good choice. It is also important to check the label for other ingredients that can provide additional protection. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.Some sunscreens also contain antioxidants or moisturizing ingredients that can help protect and nourish your skin.
Reapplication is Key
No matter what SPF level you choose, it is crucial to reapply sunscreen every two hours. This is especially important when using water resistant sunscreen as it can wear off faster when exposed to water or sweat. It is also important to reapply after towel drying or excessive sweating. Another common mistake people make is not applying enough sunscreen. The AAD recommends using about one ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen to cover your entire body.This means that a 3-ounce bottle should only last for three full-body applications.
